Speaker Johnson opposes immediate sanctions on Russia due to Trump’s ultimatum
Photo: Mike Johnson, US House Speaker (Getty Images)
US House Speaker Mike Johnson does not want to bring a bill on sanctions against Russia to the floor, as President Donald Trump has already threatened Moscow with tariffs, Reuters reports.
He said he had discussed with lawmakers the possibility of passing a sanctions bill against Russia.
"But I think the House and the Senate agree that the White House having given that deadline of 50 days, we need to allow the commander-in-chief and the administration and the secretary of defense and the Pentagon to do what they're going to do, and we'll see how that plays out," Johnson added.
He also called for an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.
"We need peace, over there. It's gone on too long. Too many innocent people are dying. And we don't want further American involvement in this at all," the House Speaker said.
Notably, Republican leaders in both the Senate and the House had previously pledged not to bring a standalone sanctions bill against Russia to the floor without Donald Trump's approval.
Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill
Senator Lindsey Graham previously drafted a bill proposing tough sanctions against Russia.
The initiative, in particular, envisions 500% secondary tariffs on countries that continue to purchase oil, natural gas, uranium, and other goods from Russia.
The bill was never brought to a vote in the Senate, despite having majority support among senators.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump put forward his own proposal, promising to impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s trading partners if the Kremlin does not end the war against Ukraine within 50 days.
