A growing chorus of prominent Republican senators is urging President Donald Trump to approve significant new sanctions against Russia, aiming to escalate pressure on Moscow to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.
The calls come after President Trump’s recent attempts to broker a peace deal have reportedly stalled, and following his own expressions of frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Monday, President Trump stated that Putin is “playing with fire” by refusing a ceasefire and launching some of the most intense drone and missile attacks of the years-long conflict in recent days. Now, influential Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, are advocating for robust sanctions, suggesting Putin will not seriously engage in peace talks without further U.S coercion.
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that President Trump is currently considering such measures after his diplomatic overtures to Putin were rebuffed.
“I appreciate all that President @realDonaldTrump has done to try to end this terrible war,” Senator Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday. “But to end any war, you must have willing partners. As of yet, Putin is not willing.”
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa wrote on X Monday, “I believe president trump was sincere when he thought his friendship w Putin wld end the war. Now that being the case ITS TIME FOR SANCTIONS STRONG ENUF SO PUTIN KNOWS ‘game over.’”
This push for sanctions is notable, as some analysts argue that previous sanctions imposed during former President Joe Biden’s term largely failed to cripple Russia’s war effort. However, the proposed new measures appear more aggressive.
READ: “Very Well”: Trump Claims Putin Ready For Immediate Ukraine Peace Talks
Senator Graham, a well-known hawk on the Russo-Ukraine War, introduced bipartisan legislation in April with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The bill, which has garnered 80 cosponsors including all members of Senate GOP leadership and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, would enact sweeping sanctions against Russia and any nations supporting its war effort. A key provision includes imposing a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.
In a letter to the Wall Street Journal editorial board on Tuesday, Graham stated the bill was drafted in coordination with the White House and claimed the legislation “would put Russia on a trade island.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated the Senate is prepared to act on sanctions legislation if it receives President Trump’s endorsement. “It’s time for him [Putin] to come to the table in good faith and make a serious proposal for an immediate ceasefire that can lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Thune declared on the Senate floor Thursday. “If Russia is not willing to engage in serious diplomacy, the Senate will work with the Trump administration to consider additional sanctions to force Putin to start negotiating.”
READ: Russia Ramps Up Military Production, Adapting Drones For Protracted War In Ukraine
Senator Graham has also singled out China, accusing Beijing of propping up Russia’s war machine. “This latest outrage by Russia will not go unaddressed,” Graham said Sunday, referring to recent attacks that killed at least 13 people in Ukraine. “Without China’s support, Putin’s war machine comes to a halt.”
Adding his voice to the calls for a tougher stance, former Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich posted on X Monday, “Putin will only stop if he has no choice. Any other strategy is wishful thinking which will extend the war and cost more innocent lives.”
The Trump administration has yet to make a formal announcement on new sanctions, but the escalating pressure from within his own party signals a potentially significant shift in U.S. policy towards Russia as the conflict in Ukraine continues.
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