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Lawmakers in the US Senate are moving forward with sanctions against Russia, despite President Donald Trump's reservations about timing. The move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pressed his case for more aggressive action against Moscow during a visit to Washington D.C.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that the chamber could consider sanctions introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., "in the next 30 days." The bill would allow the President of the United States enhanced powers to block energy sales, block visas, halt investment listings, impose tariffs of up to 500%, and more – if the president determines that Russia isn't engaging in good-faith efforts to end the war.
Despite Trump's concerns about timing, Graham said that the legislation is a "tool available for the president" to negotiate with Russia. The bill has gained significant support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with 84 cosponsors in the Senate and 113 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.
The move comes as Ukraine presses its case for more aggressive action against Moscow. Zelenskyy visited Washington D.C. this week to make the case that additional striking capabilities are needed to bring Putin to the negotiating table. Democrats have also voiced support for the bill, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., saying that "every day of delay is a gift to Putin."
Thune acknowledged that there are still technical issues to be addressed before the bill can be put to a vote, but emphasized the need for bipartisan support. The Senate has recessed for the weekend and will return to Washington D.C. on Monday.
The European Union has also announced plans to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. With renewed expectations about the bill, lawmakers are hoping to bring Putin's war machine to a grinding halt by imposing significant economic pressure on Moscow.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said that the chamber could consider sanctions introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., "in the next 30 days." The bill would allow the President of the United States enhanced powers to block energy sales, block visas, halt investment listings, impose tariffs of up to 500%, and more – if the president determines that Russia isn't engaging in good-faith efforts to end the war.
Despite Trump's concerns about timing, Graham said that the legislation is a "tool available for the president" to negotiate with Russia. The bill has gained significant support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with 84 cosponsors in the Senate and 113 cosponsors in the House of Representatives.
The move comes as Ukraine presses its case for more aggressive action against Moscow. Zelenskyy visited Washington D.C. this week to make the case that additional striking capabilities are needed to bring Putin to the negotiating table. Democrats have also voiced support for the bill, with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., saying that "every day of delay is a gift to Putin."
Thune acknowledged that there are still technical issues to be addressed before the bill can be put to a vote, but emphasized the need for bipartisan support. The Senate has recessed for the weekend and will return to Washington D.C. on Monday.
The European Union has also announced plans to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. With renewed expectations about the bill, lawmakers are hoping to bring Putin's war machine to a grinding halt by imposing significant economic pressure on Moscow.
I mean don't get me wrong, Russia's been a total mess lately and all that... but 500% tariffs? That sounds like a recipe for disaster 
like what even is the point of trying to negotiate with them if we're just gonna crush their economy? 
also what's with all these cosponsors on both sides of the aisle? does anyone actually read those bills before voting for 'em or are they just getting swept up in the hype? 
... sanctions can be super tricky tho... like, can they really help or just make things worse? 
... ukrainian ppl r doing so much already w/ military & civilian efforts... do sanctions even have a chance to make a real diff? 
. I mean, it's been what, over a year now? It's time to take some real action and bring Putin to the table, you feel me? 
The idea of 500% tariffs sounds pretty harsh, but if it means stopping the war, I'm all for it 
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Russia needs to be held accountable for their actions and this bill is just the start of it 
The EU stepping in with sanctions too is a good sign 
It shows everyone's on the same page, but at the same time I'm kinda worried about how Trump might veto it 
Fingers crossed he won't 
I mean, we're talking about millions of people living in fear because of one guy's ego 
. Trump's reservations about timing are understandable but come on, 84 cosponsors in the Senate and it's still gonna be a tough sell? 
It's not like they can just agree to disagree on this one. And what's with the "every day of delay is a gift to Putin" comment 
? Is that even a thing? I'm all for bipartisan support but at what cost? The EU announcing new sanctions is already having an impact, let's hope it's enough 