Donald Trump backs sanctions bill against Russia, but with condition
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated that he supports the sanctions bill against Russia, developed by lawmakers, but there is a condition for his backing, according to his interview with Fox News.
During the conversation, the host directly asked whether Trump supports the sanctions bill. The US leader replied:
“I hope there are 84 or 85 senators who want… Yes, they only do it if it's subject to me. And you know, I support it,” Trump said.
When the journalist asked him again whether he supports the bill, the president added:
“I hope we won’t have to use it. You know, we have big sanctions on Russia right now,” he said.
Trump also emphasized that Russia’s economy is currently in very poor shape. At the same time, he noted that in terms of size and power, Russia is still a bigger and stronger country compared to Ukraine.
Background and details on the sanctions
On Wednesday, January 7, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that US President Donald Trump gave the green light to a bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia.
He said he had a very productive meeting with the US leader, during which the document was approved. Graham explained that the bill would allow Trump to punish countries that buy cheap Russian oil and thereby fuel the Kremlin’s war machine.
The proposed sanctions would impose a 500% tariff on imports to the US from countries that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium. Graham is one of the co-authors of the bill.
The senator also said he expects a vote on the legislation as soon as next week.
