Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) issued a warning to Moscow on Monday, declaring that the U.S. Senate is prepared to take decisive action, including imposing severe sanctions, if Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to obstruct efforts towards a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
In a letter to the editor published in The Wall Street Journal on May 26, 2025, titled “The U.S. Senate Won’t Tolerate Putin’s Games,” Graham responded to the newspaper’s May 21 editorial, “A Sanctions Message to Putin—and China.”
The South Carolina Republican emphasized that while President Trump has been earnestly working to facilitate a “just and honorable peace” between Ukraine and Russia, Moscow’s cooperation remains elusive.
READ: Tennessee Joins South Carolina In 28-State Coalition Demanding Meta Address AI Child Safety Failures
“Peace requires willing partners,” Graham stated. “While Ukraine has made clear it is ready for such an end, Russia has made more excuses than the market can bear.”
Graham revealed that President Trump has directly requested Vladimir Putin to provide a “term sheet outlining the requirements for a cease-fire,” a move intended to bring clarity to Russia’s intentions.
“Depending on how Russia responds, we will know which course to take,” he wrote, adding, “The Senate is prepared either way.”
The Senator highlighted a robust sanctions bill, developed in coordination with the White House, which he says has garnered significant bipartisan support with 82 co-sponsors.
This legislation, according to Graham, “would put Russia on a trade island, slapping 500% tariffs on any country that buys Moscow’s energy products.”
READ: “We Did It”: Border Czar Tom Homan Puts AOC On Notice After Democrat Lawmaker Charged
He argued that the “consequences of its barbaric invasion must be made real to those that prop it up,” specifically noting that if major energy importers like China or India ceased purchasing Russian oil, “Mr. Putin’s war machine would grind to a halt.”
Graham also linked the current geopolitical climate to the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which he described as “shameful” and a catalyst for “aggression across the world.” He expressed confidence that under President Trump’s leadership, decisive action on the Russia-Ukraine war could “restore our reputation—and end the bloodbath.”
READ: Texas Defines “Sex” Biologically For IDs & Single-Sex Spaces
Quoting Senator John Thune, Graham reiterated the Senate’s readiness: “If Mr. Putin continues to play games, the Senate will act.”
While expressing hope for a diplomatic breakthrough, Senator Graham concluded with a sober outlook on Moscow’s intentions. “I’m hoping for the best, but when it comes to the thug in Moscow, we should all prepare for more of the same.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
