WASHINGTON -- A bipartisan group of US lawmakers has introduced new legislation targeting what they describe as the Kremlins primary financial lifeline: oil exports.

The Decreasing Russian Oil Profits (DROP) Act of 2026, unveiled on February 11 by Republican Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas, would require targeted sanctions on any foreign individual or entity involved in the purchase, importation, or facilitation of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products.

The measure is designed to close what lawmakers say are persistent loopholes in the current sanctions regime and to curb Moscows ability to fund its war in Ukraine.

Russian energy is the lifeblood of the Kremlins war machine, and the DROP Act would drain this primary source of revenue, McCaul said in a statement announcing the bill.

He argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown that he wont be willing to seek peace until the cost of his continued bloodshed is too high, adding that the legislation would give US President Donald Trump additional leverage while pressing allies to do more. Its time for every nation and individual to choose between doing business with the free world or continuing to bankroll Putins brutality, he said.

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In the House of Representatives, the group includes Republicans McCaul and Mike Lawler of New York, along with Democrats Bill Keating of Massachusetts, Marcy Kaptur of Ohio, Mike Quigley of Illinois, and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey.

In the Senate, the companion measure was introduced by Republican senators Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania and Jon Husted of Ohio, alongside Democrats Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Chris Coons of Delaware.

Closing The 'Shadow Fleet' Loophole

Western governments have imposed successive rounds of sanctions on Moscow since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including price caps on Russian oil exports. But Russia has increasingly relied on a so-called shadow fleet of aging tankers and complex third-party arrangements to move crude at prices that often exceed international limits.

The DROP Act seeks to address that ecosystem directly.

According to its sponsors, the bill would strengthen existing designations on two major Russian oil companies, mandate sanctions on foreign actors complicit in purchasing Russian petroleum products, and close loopholes that have allowed some buyers to charge above the international price cap.

US Congressman Mike Lawler

Lawler underscored enforcement as the core issue.

Sanctions only work if theyre enforced, he said, arguing that the legislation would strengthen the current sanctions regime and cut off a key funding for Putins war machine. He added that it is time to use the full strength of American economic power to squeeze out the Kremlin.

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Keating framed the bill as part of a broader effort to ensure consequences for Moscows actions.

Congress and the president must do more to ensure Putin and his war machine feel the consequences for their illegal actions, he said, noting that the legislation would require sanctions on countries unless they meet specific criteria demonstrating support for Ukraine. As the war approaches its fourth anniversary, he added, the measure signals continued bipartisan support for Ukraine.

'A Long Overdue Step'

For Kaptur, co-chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, the moral dimension is central.

If you traffic in Russian oil, you are funding Putins illegal war and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she said, calling the bill a long overdue step to cut off oil revenue and strengthen the prospects for a just end to the conflict.

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur speaks at an event organized by the Congressional Ukraine Caucus in Washington last week.

Quigley, also a caucus co-chair, said Russia has weaponized the global oil ecosystem since launching its invasion and argued the bill would close the price gap loophole and cut off a major source of funding for Russias army.

Similarly, Gottheimer said the legislation would tighten the screws on Russian oil exports, ensure real consequences for those purchasing oil above the price cap, and create stronger incentives to support Ukraines defense and reconstruction.

Strategic Flexibility -- And Political Questions

The bill includes provisions allowing the administration to grant exceptions for countries that significantly reduce their Russian oil imports or provide substantial military and economic aid to Ukraine -- a nod to concerns among some US partners about energy security and economic disruption.

Shelby Magid, deputy director at the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, described the proposal as an important and timely step.

Speaking to RFE/RL on February 12, she said the legislation demonstrates bipartisan backing for Ukraine and reflects justified frustration with Russias continued barrage of attacks on Ukrainian civilians.