Senators from both parties are pushing hard for a tough sanctions bill against Russia as the war with Ukraine escalates, but President Trump is holding up the process.
The sanctions effort, which has more than 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, would target Russia’s top trading partners with severe penalties, including a 500 percent tariff on countries buying oil, gas, and other goods from Moscow. It’s a powerful step aimed at pressuring Russian President Vladimir Putin. But despite the growing urgency, Trump has yet to fully back the bill, leaving it in limbo.
Republicans, led by key figures like Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), have been pushing for tougher action against Russia. However, Trump’s reluctance to commit to the sanctions package has stalled its progress. “We’re working with the White House… We are prepared to move forward as soon as they feel like the timing is right. They’re leading,” said Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). Mullin added, “It doesn’t do us any good if we pass it in the House, pass it in the Senate and then the president is like, ‘Hold on a second, guys.’”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the bill could come to the floor during the current work period, but stressed that the White House was still hopeful of striking a deal. “I think a genuine interest in doing something to make clear to Russia that they need to come to the table,” Thune noted.
The sanctions package would be one of the toughest measures ever taken against Russia, targeting countries like China and India—its biggest energy customers. These two nations account for 70 percent of Russia’s energy exports.
Graham, a key supporter of the bill, called it “the most draconian bill I’ve ever seen in my life in the Senate.” He worked with Trump’s advisers to craft it and had hoped the Senate would start moving on the bill last week. Yet, Trump has been noncommittal about the sanctions, saying simply, “I don’t know. I’ll have to see it.”
The push for sanctions follows a series of events that have raised the stakes. Graham recently visited Ukraine and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. He also spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron about the state of the war. Graham believes Putin is gearing up for more conflict, saying, “We saw credible evidence of a summer or early fall invasion, a new offensive by Putin. He’s preparing for more war.”
Meanwhile, Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, launching a devastating drone attack that destroyed 40 Russian warplanes, and hitting Ukraine with its heaviest drone strike yet. The ongoing violence is pushing more senators to demand action.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he’s ready to support the sanctions package “in a heartbeat.” Yet, while Republicans wait for Trump’s decision, Democrats are becoming increasingly frustrated with his inaction.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) slammed Trump for not taking a stronger stance. “The single best thing President Trump can do to strengthen Ukraine’s hand right now is to show that the U.S. stands firmly behind them and squarely against Russia. But so far, Trump has not done that.”
Schumer didn’t hold back, saying, “Where is Donald Trump’s backbone? Where is his conviction? Where’s that toughness he likes to project?” He called the sanctions package a “hammer blow” to Russia, stressing that it’s “needed now” more than ever.
