Trump promises 'major statement' on Russia - Expert predicts how likely new sanctions are
Photo: New sanctions against Russia will be a bonus for Ukraine (Getty Images)
If US President Donald Trump announces new sanctions against Russia following his upcoming important statement, that would be a positive development. However, sanctions should be seen strictly as a bonus to the work Ukraine must do on its own. The most effective sanctions are those that physically destroy Russia’s capabilities, stated political strategist Taras Zahorodnii in a comment to RBC-Ukraine’s YouTube channel.
According to the expert, any sanctions against Russia should be viewed as a bonus to what Ukraine itself must do. He warned against relying too heavily on allies in this matter, noting that sanctions can be imposed and lifted just as easily.
"A bombed oil terminal at a Baltic port - that’s what real sanctions look like. A bombed Russian gas export terminal in Murmansk - that’s real sanctions. That’s what Ukraine must do. Everything else is just a bonus. Maybe it’ll happen, maybe it won’t… We don’t control those decisions," Zahorodnii explained.
Graham’s bill is a bonus for Ukraine
Political strategist Taras Zahorodnii believes that the sanctions proposed in Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill could be introduced by the US President directly. There is precedent, as similar measures were taken against Venezuela. Still, if the bill is passed, it will be very good.
"If it’s passed, you can consider it in place for the next hundred years. Even if Russia withdraws all its troops and pays all reparations, the Americans won’t repeal it, because it’s about money. And it will serve as an important lever not just against China and India, but also Europe," Zahorodnii added.
However, he emphasized that the final outcome ultimately depends on Ukraine itself. If Russia’s infrastructure is destroyed, it won’t be able to export anything, regardless of whether sanctions exist or not.
"Everything depends solely on the production of Ukrainian weapons, strikes on Russian territory, and terminals. The goal is to make it so they can’t export anything at all. If they can’t sell oil, it won’t matter whether sanctions are in place or not," Zahorodnii concluded.
Graham sanctions and Trump’s announcement
Amid expressing dissatisfaction with Russia, Trump announced he will make a "major statement" on Russia on July 14. It is assumed the announcement may concern new sanctions against Russia - the so-called Graham bill.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a sanctions bill against Russia at the end of April. The bill proposes imposing 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil.
According to media reports, Trump is ready to sign this bill. However, there is a catch: Trump wants to personally control the process of imposing and lifting the sanctions.
