U.S. Senator Graham Urges Seizure of Russian Oil Tankers, Tomahawk Missiles for Ukraine
U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called on President Donald Trump to sharply escalate pressure on Russia if Vladimir Putin refuses to engage in meaningful peace talks with Ukraine.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Graham’s interview with NBC News.
The senator said Washington should begin seizing vessels transporting sanctioned Russian oil and support the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine.
According to him, the United States already has a precedent for such actions, pointing to the seizure of oil tankers linked to Venezuela under existing sanctions regimes. Graham argued that the same approach should be applied to ships carrying Russian crude, particularly if Moscow continues to reject diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Graham also highlighted legislation he has introduced in the U.S. Senate that would impose tariffs on countries purchasing discounted Russian oil. The bill, which he said has broad bipartisan backing, also calls for formally designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism over the forced deportation and abduction of Ukrainian children.
“If Putin says ‘no’ again, I hope President Trump will act decisively,” Graham said. “That means signing this bill, imposing tariffs on countries such as China that buy cheap Russian oil, recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, and seizing vessels that transport sanctioned Russian energy exports.”
Beyond economic pressure, Graham argued that Ukraine should be given the military means to deter further Russian aggression. He said providing Kyiv with Tomahawk missiles would enable targeted strikes against Russian military-industrial facilities involved in producing missiles and drones used in attacks on Ukraine.
The senator reiterated that his ultimate goal remains a peace settlement that would prevent any future Russian invasion of Ukraine. In his view, this requires firm U.S. security guarantees and sustained pressure on Moscow, potentially including a role for European forces in deterring renewed aggression. Without such measures, Graham warned, Russia is likely to continue its expansionist policy.
As The Gaze previously reported, Ukraine is starting a new round of negotiations with the United States on ways to end the war with Russia.
Read more on The Gaze: Zelenskyy: I Believe the US Has Power To Convince Russia to End the War