**US Senate to Push Ahead with Russia Sanctions Bill**
The US Senate is set to move ahead next week with a bill imposing more sanctions on Russia over its three-year-old war in Ukraine. This comes after talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina.
Senator Graham said the legislation, which has 82 cosponsors, would impose “bone-breaking sanctions” on Russia and its customers. The bill sets a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. To become law, the measure must pass both the Senate and House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump.
**Sanctions Aimed at Helping Trump Get Putin to Negotiations**
Graham said his aim was to muster bipartisan congressional support “for tools that would help President Trump get Putin to the peace table.” The senator believes these sanctions would aid in getting Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a ceasefire. Ukraine has called for an immediate ceasefire.
**Russia’s True Intentions Questioned**
Senator Graham expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, saying that President Putin was trying to “drag out” the peace process. After direct talks between Russia and Ukraine earlier this month yielded no progress on a ceasefire, Graham said he expected a second round of talks proposed by Russia for Monday in Turkey would be little more than a “Russian charade.”
“When they talk about peace, it is all talk,” Graham said. “Look at what they are doing on the ground and you will see that Putin is trying to delay, drag it out, prepare for another military assault to gain land by force of arms.”
**Zelenskiy Welcomes Sanctions Bill**
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has called for a new round of US sanctions on Russia. Writing on the Telegram messaging app on Friday, he welcomed the legislation. The US already has sweeping sanctions on Russia in punishment for its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
**Commentary**
The proposed sanctions bill is a clear indication that the US Senate is committed to holding Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. By imposing “bone-breaking sanctions,” the US government aims to put pressure on Russia and its customers to force them back to the negotiating table.
Senator Graham’s comments about President Putin’s intentions highlight the skepticism surrounding Russia’s commitment to peace talks. The second round of talks proposed by Russia is expected to yield little progress, with many seeing it as a “Russian charade.”
The passage of this bill would send a strong message that the US will not tolerate Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and will continue to support the Ukrainian government in its fight against Russian occupation.
**Analysis**
The proposed sanctions bill has significant implications for Russia’s economy. By imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, the US is effectively isolating Russia further.
This move would also put pressure on countries like China and India to reconsider their relationships with Russia. The consequences of these sanctions could be far-reaching, potentially crippling Russia’s economy and limiting its ability to fund future military aggression.
The passage of this bill would mark a significant shift in the US government’s stance towards Russia, signaling a more robust approach to addressing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
