Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) signaled that Republicans could pass withering new sanctions against Russia if peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine stall out.
“If needed, we stand ready to help,” Thune told the Washington Examiner as the Trump administration threatens to abandon negotiations with Russia as soon as this week.
He predicted “broad support” for a bipartisan sanctions bill co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and 55 other senators, but Thune also made clear he’s letting the White House take the lead.
Moscow declared a unilateral ceasefire Monday in its three-year invasion of Ukraine to take effect next week, but President Donald Trump has openly vented frustration over a series of drone and missile strikes launched by Russia in recent days.
On Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the two sides were “close” to a deal that would end the conflict, but that the United States was prepared to walk away this week if Russia is perceived as dragging its feet.
“We’ll see how this week goes,” Thune said, referring to Rubio’s comments.
The U.S. already has sanctions against Russia that predate its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, but the new tranche is designed to place additional pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin during peace talks.
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Graham’s legislation would impose sanctions on Russian officials and financial institutions if Moscow doesn’t negotiate a settlement. If a deal is reached, sanctions would be imposed for any violation of the agreement or subsequent incursions into Ukraine.
The legislation would also levy a 500% tariff on countries that purchase Russian oil or natural gas.