**Senate Democrats Launch Investigation into Trump’s Pause on Russia Sanctions**
Three Democratic Senators have launched an investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump’s refusal to impose new sanctions against Russia, a move that has left many questioning the administration’s commitment to putting pressure on Moscow.
Since taking office in January, Trump has passed no new sanctions against Russia, despite the ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine. In fact, he has even eased restrictions, allowing Russian companies to continue operating with relative impunity.
Senate Democrats Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Coons have called for a halt to this “five-month pause” on sanctions, saying that Americans should be asking why a president who says he wants to end the war is instead letting Russia run rampant.
The senators’ investigation comes as the New York Times has reported that Washington’s slowed momentum on sanctions has created more opportunities for shell companies to funnel sanctioned goods into Russia. The analysis found that over 130 companies in China and Hong Kong are advertising sales of sanctioned computer chips to Russia, despite this being illegal activity.
**A Lack of Pressure**
The Trump administration has been criticized for its lack of pressure on Moscow, with the Biden administration slapping 6,200 penalties on individuals, businesses, ships, and aircraft connected to Russia between 2022-2024. However, without new sanctions to maintain pressure on Moscow, the effects of these measures have begun to erode.
The senators have called on Trump to “actively enforce the existing sanctions against Russia” and urged the administration to partner with EU and G7 nations to mount pressure on Moscow. They also criticized the removal of sanctions on Karina Rotenberg, the wife of a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and exempting Russia from its sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs.
**A Call for Action**
The bipartisan sanctions bill, introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials. However, Trump has reportedly obstructed this effort, urging delays in a vote on the legislation.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how long the pause on sanctions will last and what impact it will have on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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