Trump signals willingness to approve Russia sanctions, with one key catch - Reuters
Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump is willing to sign a sanctions bill against Russia, provided he retains the authority to make the final decision on these measures, according to Reuters.
“He would sign it. He signaled that last night,” said a senior White House official.
The official added that the White House will insist on specific wording to ensure that Trump retains control over the sanctions.
“It's always been important to the White House and the president that there's a carve-out in the sanctions package that ensures the president has the ultimate decision-making authority on the sanctions. So as long as that is included, I think the president would entertain signing the bill,” the official explained.
At the same time, he added that the White House continues to negotiate with Russia over ending the war in Ukraine.
“We're definitely still working it. It just hasn't been the center of the news because we have so much going on,” the administration representative summarized.
Background
Late Sunday evening, Trump told reporters that he is satisfied with the work of Republicans on a sanctions bill targeting countries that do business with Russia, particularly due to Moscow’s inability to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.
Additionally, Trump said that lawmakers could adopt his proposal and include Iran in the sanctions measures.
According to Reuters, the bill was initiated by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and US Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, and the measures will target, among others, countries that import Russian-exported energy resources.
The agency added that Trump’s comments may pave the way for advancing the bill in the US Congress.
