The Senate has advanced a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill intended to intensify pressure on Vladimir Putin by targeting the funding behind Russia’s war in Ukraine. The measure matters because it represents progress after more than a year of delays and disagreement, and seeks to use economic pressure against Moscow and countries helping sustain its energy revenues.

The bill is named for the late Senator Lindsey Graham and was discussed by Senators Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, and Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama. It would target major purchasers of Russian oil and gas and authorise tariffs, aiming to reduce the money available to Russia for its war.