US Senate Bill Targets Crypto Evasion in Russia Sanctions Package

The US Senate has advanced the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026, which includes provisions targeting crypto evasion.

The bill, named after the late South Carolina senator, imposes mandatory sanctions on Russian leadership, banks, energy projects, and the shadow fleet while authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

The legislation explicitly targets persons engaged in 'deceptive or structured transactions or dealings that circumvent the application of any sanctions imposed by the United States, including through the use of digital currencies or assets or the use of physical assets.'

This provision is seen as a clear recognition that digital assets are part of Russia's sanctions-evasion infrastructure.