(Washington, DC, July 24, 2026) – The Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) urges swift congressional action on the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 (S.5025), now advancing in the U.S. Senate, as a decisive step to strengthen U.S. leadership, reinforce transatlantic security, and hold the Kremlin accountable for its continued war of aggression against Ukraine.
At a time when Russia is actively testing the resolve of the United States and its allies, this legislation delivers practical, enforceable tools to counter sanctions evasion. It closes critical loopholes exploited by Russia’s shadow fleet, strengthens compliance mechanisms, and enhances congressional oversight to ensure sanctions are implemented effectively and transparently.
For the nations represented by CEEC—many of which have directly experienced Russian and Soviet aggression—this is not theoretical. It is a matter of enduring security, democratic resilience, and credibility in the face of authoritarian threats. These same stakes now directly implicate U.S. national interests, including the stability of NATO, the integrity of global markets, and the deterrence of future aggression.
“History has shown that ambiguity and delay invite further aggression,” said CEEC Chair Karl Altau. “This legislation sends a clear, bipartisan signal: the United States stands firmly with its allies and will impose real costs on those who threaten peace and stability.”
The CEEC calls on the Senate to pass this legislation without delay – together with the Ukraine Support Act (H.R.2913) – and urges the U.S. House of Representatives to advance companion legislation promptly. Sustained and enforceable pressure on the Russian Federation is essential not only for Ukraine’s sovereignty, but for the credibility of U.S. leadership and the security of the transatlantic alliance.

Albanians for America • Alianta • American Hungarian Federation • American Latvian Association • Armenian Assembly of America • Belarusian-American Association • Washington Chapter Czechoslovak National Council of America • Estonian American National Council • Georgian Association in the USA • Hungarian American Coalition • Joint Baltic American National Committee • Lithuanian American Council • Lithuanian American Community • National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation • Polish American Congress • Slovak League of America • Ukrainian Congress Committee of America • Ukrainian National Association

ceecadvocacy.org * ceecoalition@gmail.com