Graham Says Trump Is ‘Ready to Move’ on Russia Sanctions Bill

A major sanctions bill targeting Russia is gaining renewed traction in the U.S. Senate after President Donald Trump signaled his support for the measure, according to key lawmakers involved in the negotiations.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to Politico.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, the bill’s lead author, announced on Tuesday that Trump has given the green light to move forward, following recent frustrations voiced by the president over Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage in peace talks with Ukraine.

“We’re moving,” Graham told reporters. “The president told me it’s time, so we’re going to move.”

The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Richard Blumenthal and supported by over 80 members of Congress, aims to ramp up economic pressure on Moscow for its refusal to engage in meaningful peace negotiations with Ukraine. 

At the heart of the bill is a provision authorizing the U.S. President to impose sweeping tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported from nations that continue to buy Russian oil. 

The legislation has undergone revisions to include expanded presidential waiver authority – one of the White House’s key requests. 

Under the updated version, Trump would be able to delay sanctions for up to one year, provided Congress is given an opportunity to weigh in after the initial six-month extension.

Although a floor vote isn’t expected this week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune  confirmed that coordination is ongoing with the White House and House Republicans. 

“There’s a lot of interest in moving this bill,” Thune said, adding that more details would be shared soon.

As The Gaze reported earlier, Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha has welcomed U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s proposed sanctions legislation, emphasizing its potential to play a decisive role in pushing Russia toward a ceasefire and opening the door to meaningful peace negotiations.