US Senate to push forward harsh sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war next week
US Senator Lindsey Graham (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The US Senate may begin reviewing a bill on tough sanctions against Russia as early as next week, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine.
"I would expect next week that the Senate will start moving the sanctions bill. There are House members that are ready to move in the House and you will see Congressional action," Graham said.
The US senator added that he sees nothing — including the talks in Istanbul — that would indicate Russia's desire for peace.
"So when these two weeks pass, I think everyone will realize that Russia is playing a game at the world's expense, not just America's. We are going to change that game for Russia. The game Putin is playing is about to change. The United States will hit him — and hit him hard — when it comes to sanctions. China, the game you're playing with Russia is also going to change. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil — fueling Putin's war machine — all your goods coming into the US will face a 500% tariff," he added.
US sanctions against Russia
In early April, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced a bill proposing tough sanctions against Russia for refusing to pursue a lasting peace with Ukraine.
Earlier reports indicated that the US Senate is prepared to approve the sanctions package if Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to show genuine interest in peace.
The proposed sanctions would be implemented if Russia refuses to engage in good-faith negotiations for a durable peace with Ukraine or takes further actions — such as military aggression — that undermine Ukraine's sovereignty following any peace agreement. The bill also includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities.
Graham stated that he has enough support in the House of Representatives to advance the bill there as well. Moreover, President Donald Trump would not be able to veto the legislation, as overriding a veto requires 67 Senate votes, and the bill currently has the support of 81 senators.
The senator also remarked that Putin will eventually have to choose between meeting with Trump and ending the war — or facing the destruction of Russia's economy.
Former adviser to the Ukrainian president, Oleh Ustenko, noted that if passed, the US sanctions could cost Russia approximately $150 billion — nearly 40% of its national budget.
