**US Senator Lindsey Graham Calls for Secondary Tariffs on Russian Energy Buyers**
In a move that signals growing pressure on Russia, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has called attention to his plan to impose secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian energy products. This comes after President Donald Trump hinted at possible sanctions against Moscow in a social media post criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s comments were made on April 26, when he posted on X, “It makes me think that maybe (Putin) doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions?” This marks a rare public criticism of Putin by Trump.
Graham praised Trump’s efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine and said his proposal in the Senate could help advance the administration’s aims. “As to additional sanctions on Putin’s Russia, I have bipartisan legislation with almost 60 cosponsors that would put secondary tariffs on any country that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products,” Graham wrote.
**Graham’s Bill and Its Significance**
The bill, introduced alongside Democrat Richard Blumenthal in the Senate on April 1, aims to impose secondary tariffs on countries importing Russian energy products. This move is significant as it shows bipartisan support for taking a tougher stance against Russia. The US has previously threatened sanctions and economic penalties but has yet to follow through.
Graham’s advocacy for military aid to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia is well-documented. His praise of Trump’s peacekeeping efforts while calling for the US to “sanction the hell out of” Russia highlights his commitment to taking a strong stance against Russian aggression.
**Context and Implications**
The US administration’s push for a peace deal has focused on extracting concessions from Ukraine, while pursuing warmer relations with Moscow. However, Trump’s recent comments mark a shift in tone towards Russia. This change may be an attempt to appease critics who feel the US is not doing enough to support Ukraine.
In reality, this move by Graham and Trump could have significant implications for countries that import Russian energy products. The proposed tariffs would likely impact economies heavily reliant on these resources, potentially altering global markets and trade dynamics.
As Abbey Fenbert, a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent, points out, “The US has been hesitant to take decisive action against Russia, but Graham’s proposal is a step in the right direction.”
**What’s Next?**
The Senate stands ready to move on this legislation, with Graham stating that it will be done overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just, and enduring peace. The implications of this proposal are far-reaching, and its success would depend on various factors, including international cooperation, economic considerations, and the ever-changing dynamics of global politics.
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