US lawmakers urge Trump to use new Russia sanctions after deadly Kyiv strikes

September 29, 2026 at 11:41 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

US lawmakers from both parties called on President Donald Trump to use new sanctions powers against Russia after deadly strikes on Kyiv killed at least nine people and wounded more than 80 on September 28. Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Don Bacon urged Trump to use the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he signed into law this month. The calls came as Russia launched a new wave of attacks on Kyiv early on September 29.

Key Facts

Russia's September 28 strikes on Kyiv killed at least nine people and wounded more than 80, according to Ukrainian officials.
Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Representative Don Bacon urged Trump to use the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
Trump signed the sanctions legislation into law this month after Congress passed it by wide margins.
Early on September 29, authorities in Kyiv reported a new wave of Russian attacks with several large explosions.

Bipartisan Pressure

Republican Representative Don Bacon told RFE/RL on September 28 that Trump must move quickly to capitalize on the Graham Sanctions Bill. Bacon said Americans overwhelmingly want the president to take action now and that the Russian economy is a leverage point. Senator Roger Wicker, Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also urged Trump on September 28 to use the economic tools provided by the legislation. Wicker said the law gives Trump options including additional financial restrictions on Putin's associates and companies supporting Russian weapons production.

Sanctions Legislation

The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was passed by Congress with wide margins and signed by Trump this month. Wicker said the law allows targeting major purchasers of Russian energy and Russia's shadow fleet used to evade existing restrictions. Democrats backing the legislation are pressing for implementation with a focus on cutting energy revenues that finance Russia's war. Wicker said peace will come through American and Ukrainian strength, not through Putin's good will.