US senator warns of 'bone-crushing' sanctions against Russia
Senator Lindsey Graham asserts that he has garnered significant support in the Senate for a bill aimed at implementing “bone-crushing” sanctions on Russia, alongside imposing hefty tariffs on nations purchasing its vital exports. Speaking to...
TroibNews 
Senator Lindsey Graham asserts that he has garnered significant support in the Senate for a bill aimed at implementing “bone-crushing” sanctions on Russia, alongside imposing hefty tariffs on nations purchasing its vital exports. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Graham expressed that his intention is to assist President Donald Trump in negotiations concerning a potential settlement in Ukraine.
Since the conflict with Ukraine intensified in 2022, the United States has imposed extensive sanctions on Moscow, targeting its financial institutions, trade, and energy exports. While Trump has shown interest in cooperative relations with Russia, he has also warned of increasing pressure on Moscow, which may include sanctions if he finds that Russia is not negotiating in good faith regarding Ukraine.
Russia has continuously denounced Western sanctions as illegal and argued that they have not led to significant long-term economic damage. The Kremlin has indicated its willingness to find a resolution to the conflict and announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. However, Ukraine dismissed this offer, insisting on an immediate and unconditional 30-day truce.
Graham remarked, “The goal is to help the president… He talked about being frustrated,” as reported by Bloomberg. Earlier this week, Trump expressed on Truth Social that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not genuinely wish to end the conflict and suggested he might need to be “dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions.”
As detailed by Bloomberg, Graham’s legislation would prohibit U.S. citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt and impose a 500% tariff on imports from nations that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and uranium. The South Carolina Republican claims to have secured the backing of 72 Senators from both parties for this bill, as well as sufficient support in the House of Representatives to bring it to the floor.
“I want a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just. I think Trump’s the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate’s view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia,” Graham stated, referring to the bill as “a tool in President Trump’s toolbox.”
Graham further emphasized, “When President Trump believes that we’ve reached an impasse, then watch for action,” warning that if enacted, the measures could “crush” the Russian economy.
The White House has not responded to Bloomberg’s request for comment regarding Graham’s assertions. A seasoned foreign policy hawk, Graham has previously referred to the killings of Russians by Ukrainian forces as “the best money” the U.S. has ever spent.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Since the conflict with Ukraine intensified in 2022, the United States has imposed extensive sanctions on Moscow, targeting its financial institutions, trade, and energy exports. While Trump has shown interest in cooperative relations with Russia, he has also warned of increasing pressure on Moscow, which may include sanctions if he finds that Russia is not negotiating in good faith regarding Ukraine.
Russia has continuously denounced Western sanctions as illegal and argued that they have not led to significant long-term economic damage. The Kremlin has indicated its willingness to find a resolution to the conflict and announced a unilateral three-day ceasefire coinciding with Victory Day celebrations. However, Ukraine dismissed this offer, insisting on an immediate and unconditional 30-day truce.
Graham remarked, “The goal is to help the president… He talked about being frustrated,” as reported by Bloomberg. Earlier this week, Trump expressed on Truth Social that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not genuinely wish to end the conflict and suggested he might need to be “dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions.”
As detailed by Bloomberg, Graham’s legislation would prohibit U.S. citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt and impose a 500% tariff on imports from nations that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and uranium. The South Carolina Republican claims to have secured the backing of 72 Senators from both parties for this bill, as well as sufficient support in the House of Representatives to bring it to the floor.
“I want a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just. I think Trump’s the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate’s view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia,” Graham stated, referring to the bill as “a tool in President Trump’s toolbox.”
Graham further emphasized, “When President Trump believes that we’ve reached an impasse, then watch for action,” warning that if enacted, the measures could “crush” the Russian economy.
The White House has not responded to Bloomberg’s request for comment regarding Graham’s assertions. A seasoned foreign policy hawk, Graham has previously referred to the killings of Russians by Ukrainian forces as “the best money” the U.S. has ever spent.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
