American lawmakers have passed legislation to end favorable trade relations with Russia and halt all oil imports from the country, with the Senate fully united in its vote and only a few stray representatives dissenting in the House.
Senators voted 100-0 on Thursday to end permanent normal trade ties with Moscow – known as the ‘most favored nation’ status – also greenlighting a previous White House order to bar Russian energy shipments. Both bills were advanced in response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine in late February.
“No nation whose military is committing war crimes deserves free trade status with the United States,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said before the votes.