Congress urges Trump to immediately impose sweeping sanctions on Russia
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
A group of US lawmakers from both major parties is urging President Donald Trump to significantly increase sanctions pressure on Russia and finally implement the "Graham Act," according to a letter from four members of the US Congressional Ukraine Caucus.
Marcy Kaptur, Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Quigley and Joe Wilson decided to address the White House chief. They urged the Trump administration not to ease sanctions against Russia, but to strengthen them instead.
The lawmakers took this position after media reports emerged about possible plans by the Trump administration to reach an agreement with Moscow to release political prisoners in exchange for easing sanctions and restoring economic ties with Russia.
The members of the House of Representatives criticized the initiative, emphasizing that it could only strengthen the Kremlin's position.
In their letter, the lawmakers noted that Washington should continue to exert pressure on Russia as long as its war against Ukraine continues and threats to US allies in Europe remain.
The lawmakers believe that easing sanctions could encourage Russia and prolong the war.
In addition, the lawmakers called on Trump to impose the sanctions measures предусмотрені by the "Graham Act." Under the legislation, the US president must announce sanctions against Russia by October 18.
The lawmakers said they expect the administration to introduce the first package of new sanctions before the statutory deadline and urged it to increase economic pressure on Moscow as soon as possible.
"We urge the Administration to act swiftly to step up economic pressure on Russia. Peace in Europe can only be achieved through strength," the authors of the letter concluded.
As a reminder, foreign media recently began reporting that Trump had supported a plan to ease sanctions against Russia.
It also became known that the US president doubts Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will agree to an energy ceasefire with Ukraine.
