US Senators blame Trump for 5-month delay in sanctions on Kremlin due to war in Ukraine
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
Three Democratic senators - Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Coons - have announced the launch of an investigation into the actions of the administration of US President Donald Trump, which for over five months failed to impose new sanctions on Russia due to its war against Ukraine, according to The Hill.
“Instead of taking clearly available steps to pressure the aggressors, President Trump is doing nothing and we will be investigating this missed opportunity to push for an end to this war,” the senators said.
Since the start of Trump’s second term in January, the US has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia, in some cases, restrictions were even eased. By comparison, under President Joe Biden, Washington has imposed over 6,200 sanctions against Moscow-linked entities, averaging more than 170 per month.
The senators believe that this inaction allows Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue the war.
“Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead letting the aggressor run rampant,” they said.
In addition to suspending aid to Ukraine, the Trump administration has blocked updates to sanctions and export controls for five months, which, according to the senators, opens the door for countries like China to assist the Russian military-industrial complex.
The senators called on the Trump administration to resume work on sanctions, regularly update the lists of individuals and companies supporting Russia’s defense sector, and join European allies in increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
“The only way to secure a just and lasting peace is to demonstrate resolve alongside our G7 [Group of Seven] partners and show Putin that the costs will only increase so long as he continues his brutal assault on innocent Ukrainians,” the statement reads.
US sanctions against Russia
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that if Russia refuses peace, he is ready to impose tough sanctions against the country.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Trump is determined to maximize sanctions pressure.
Meanwhile, US senators have drafted a bill proposing new restrictions on Russia, including imposing 500% tariffs on any country that continues to buy Russian oil and other goods.
