Central and East European Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Stronger Russia Sanctions

(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