Germany eyes hard-hitting US sanctions on Russia
Photo: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Getty Images)
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called for increased US sanctions pressure on Russia to, together with the EU, force the Kremlin into genuine negotiations with Ukraine for a ceasefire, according to ZDF.
On June 2, he is set to meet in Berlin with US Senator Lindsey Graham, who has prepared a sweeping sanctions package, including secondary sanctions.
"I also expect, based on my conversations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that this package will be considered in the US Senate as soon as next week, and the first steps toward its implementation will begin," Wadephul said.
US sanctions on Russia
US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal have introduced a bill proposing tough sanctions against Russia if it refuses a lasting peace with Ukraine.
The sanctions would punish refusal to engage in honest negotiations or attempts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty after a peace agreement is reached. The bill also includes a provision for a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other resources.
Graham stated he has enough support in both chambers of Congress, including 81 votes in the Senate, enough to override a possible veto from Donald Trump.
The senator emphasized that Putin will face a choice: either negotiate to end the war or face economic disaster.
According to former adviser to the Ukrainian president Oleh Ustenko, if the law is adopted, Russia could lose about $150 billion, nearly 40% of its budget.
