Finnish PM slams Trump over push to weaken Russia sanctions

The bill in question was introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has recently been pushing to weaken the anti-Russian sanctions currently under consideration in the US Senate.

"I hope the US passes it as soon as possible and without changes," Orpo told reporters at the National Coalition Party’s assembly in Helsinki.

According to the Finnish prime minister, the sanctions package drafted by Senator Graham is very strong and should be adopted immediately.

"We must act now. We need to force [Vladimir Putin] to come to the negotiating table," Orpo said, adding that the European Union is doing everything it can to contribute.

Trump team seeks to soften sanctions on Russia

As The Wall Street Journal previously reported, Trump’s team is not satisfied with Graham’s bill in its current form.

The concern stems from the belief that such strict sanctions could hinder Trump’s goal of restoring ties with Russia.

Reportedly, Trump’s team suggested that the US president be given sole discretion over who to sanction. They also proposed replacing all instances of shall in the bill with may, essentially making the measures optional.

However, Graham’s office rejected these proposals, noting that the president already has the authority to impose sanctions at his discretion.

The bill has already gained broad support among senators. It proposes that the US impose 500% tariffs on countries that continue to trade in Russian oil, uranium, and other key commodities.

Separately, Trump recently commented on when he would impose new sanctions against Russia, saying he would do so only if he deemed it necessary.