Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that he has the backing of 72 colleagues in the Senate for the bill, which proposes “devastating” new sanctions against Russia. He believes that sanctions can compel Putin to come to the negotiating table and halt the war in Ukraine. A key element of the bill is the implementation of 500% tariffs on imports from countries that purchase Russian hydrocarbons or uranium. The document also includes a prohibition on US citizens purchasing Russian sovereign debt.
“I want the war to end through negotiations, honestly and fairly,” Graham remarked.
He also noted that Putin “would make a big mistake if he tried to play with Trump.” “When Trump thinks we’ve hit a dead end, then wait for action,” the senator added.
Graham is also optimistic that the bill will receive backing in the House of Representatives, paving the way for a quick vote. He stressed that Putin will eventually have to choose between negotiating with Trump to end the war or allowing the Russian economy to be “crushed.”