In the wake of discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Senate is poised to take action on a bill that would impose additional sanctions on Russia, according to Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).
As reported by The New York Post, Graham, a staunch supporter of Ukraine's war efforts and a close ally of President Trump, anticipates that the Senate will commence proceedings on the sanctions bill in the coming week.
Graham stated, I would expect next week that the Senate will start moving the sanctions bill, adding that House members are prepared to follow suit. He further noted that President Trump has indicated the next fortnight will be decisive in terms of outcomes. The proposed legislation, which enjoys bipartisan support, includes a hefty 500% tariff on Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.
The meeting with Ukraine's leader also included Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who, like Graham, backs the proposed legislation. However, neither senator sits on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, where the bill, which has garnered at least 80 co-sponsors, is currently under review. Graham expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, stating that at least 82 senators are prepared to vote for it if it reaches the Senate floor.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) underscored the gravity of the situation in a Senate floor speech on May 20, stating, Russia faces a stark choice: peace or crippling sanctions. He also noted that President Trump has warned of swift, severe consequences if Russia fails to honor a ceasefire.
Despite the anticipation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul on June 2, Graham expressed skepticism about Russia's commitment to peace, citing recent drone strikes in Ukraine that resulted in significant civilian casualties. He criticized Russia's actions as a game at the expense of the world, not just the United States, and pointed out that Russian oil sales to China and India are prolonging the war.
President Trump, who pledged to end the war on the first day of his second term, condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin as absolutely crazy following the strikes. However, he stopped short of announcing tougher sanctions on Russia, despite previous threats. Putin, for his part, has outlined his conditions for peace talks, including curbing NATO expansion from the West, easing sanctions, and official recognition of Ukraines neutral status.
Graham further commented, Its clear to almost anyone Putin is not remotely interested in anything that would lead to peace. He likened the situation to a card game, with the first moves to be made by the United States Senate and the House.
Support for stricter sanctions is also evident in the House, with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) backing the move. Representative Don Bacon (R-Neb.) suggested that the US should also send more lethal weapons to Ukraine, stating, If Ukraine falls, it will always be known in the history books that it happened with Trump doing little to help Ukraine defend themselves with the means we have available.
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