US senators say new Russia sanctions could push Putin to negotiate
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
The so-called "bone-crushing" sanctions proposed by the United States against Russia, also known as the Graham sanctions, are intended to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into coming to the negotiating table with Ukraine, according to statements by US senators cited by Fox News.
According to the senators, the bipartisan bill is intended not only to increase economic pressure on Moscow but also to deprive the Kremlin of the ability to continue financing the war.
"This bill says to Vladimir Putin: your days of war are numbered. You are on the losing side. Better to come to the table now than sacrifice more lives, waste more money, crater your economy, destroy your standing in the world. America stands with Ukraine," said Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the co-authors of the sanctions bill.
Blumenthal actively worked on the sanctions against Russia with the late Lindsey Graham, whose funeral took place on July 29.
The Democratic senator also said that China and India are the main culprits that are fueling Russia's war machine.
The senators met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is currently in Washington, where they discussed the situation on the front line, Ukraine's weapons needs, and continued support from the United States.
According to the senators, the Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support in Congress and stressed the importance of maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia.
As reported, the sanctions bill has already passed its first procedural vote in the Senate. The measure was supported by 86 senators, while 12 voted against it.
The bill provides for tougher sanctions against Russia's leadership, financial sector, and shadow fleet, as well as tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources.
After passing the Senate, the bill will be considered by the House of Representatives.
