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New Bipartisan Legislation Aimed at Sanctioning Russia
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have put forth a new legislative proposal that seeks to impose both primary and secondary sanctions against Russia. This initiative comes in response to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and aims to push for a sustainable peace agreement between the two countries.
The senators have also advocated for a substantial 500 percent tariff on imports from nations that engage in purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. This move is described as a necessary measure designed to hold Russia accountable for its aggression.
“These tariffs serve as crucial sanctions against countries complicit in buying Russian resources. They reflect a firm stance because the situation demands it,” the senators stated in a press release on Tuesday.
They emphasized a unanimous perspective within the Senate that views Russia as the aggressor, underscoring the urgent need to end the ongoing warfare instigated by President Putin.
The conflict has escalated, with continued airstrikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and resulting in significant casualties. Recently, both Russia and Ukraine reached a tentative agreement to halt military actions in the Black Sea and to cease strikes on energy facilities for a period of 30 days.
This modest step toward potential peace follows escalated tensions, highlighted by recent Russian attacks in the Donetsk region, coinciding with President Trump’s threats to implement new sanctions on Moscow aimed at encouraging decisive ceasefire discussions.
President Trump has voiced his frustrations regarding the stagnation of peace negotiations with Putin, stating, “If I think they’re just dragging us along, I will not be happy about it,” during a press conference while traveling aboard Air Force One.
The group of senators involved in the new sanctions legislation expressed similar concerns over the stalled peace efforts, aligning with Trump’s frustration. They reiterated the historical commitments made to Ukraine regarding its sovereignty, referencing the Budapest Memorandum from 1994, which accompanied Ukraine’s decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal in exchange for assurance of its territorial integrity by Russia, the U.S., and the U.K. Despite this, they noted that such promises have not prevented further Russian hostility.
“The Minsk agreements made in 2014 and 2015 aimed to halt Russia’s advancement into Ukraine but ultimately failed to deter future provocations. The subsequent invasion in 2022 has led to immense loss of life and displacement,” the senators remarked.
During recent discussions in Saudi Arabia, Russian representatives have requested U.S. assistance in lifting sanctions on Russian banking and facilitating the trade of Russian agricultural products before they would consider a ceasefire.
“Looking ahead to 2025, we are hopeful that President Trump and his administration will resolve what has historically eluded global leaders: the cessation of Russian aggression and the safeguarding of Ukraine’s democratic foundation,” the senators concluded.
The wide-reaching support for these sanctions demonstrates a significant bipartisan commitment, with a robust coalition of senators co-sponsoring the legislation. This coalition includes notable names such as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), among others.
In parallel, members of the House of Representatives, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), have announced the introduction of corresponding legislation to reinforce this initiative.
Source
thehill.com