**US Officials Prepare Economic Pressure Options Against Russia**
As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, American officials are preparing options for President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Moscow. According to a report by Bloomberg, citing undisclosed sources, these options include tariffs and sanctions aimed at forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the conflict.
This move comes after months of stalled diplomacy efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. Despite previous threats from Trump to impose economic penalties, these have yet to materialize. However, with recent attacks by Russia against Ukraine, Kyiv has urged Trump to take more decisive action.
**A Shift in Washington’s Approach**
Just a day prior to the Bloomberg report, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced that the US would scale back its direct role as mediator in the conflict. This significant shift in approach reflects Washington’s growing frustration with Russia’s refusal to accept ceasefire proposals.
The US had intensified its diplomatic outreach earlier this year, including negotiations for a 30-day ceasefire and partial truces aimed at halting attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. However, Moscow has rejected these initiatives, leading to an escalation of strikes across Ukraine.
**Senator Lindsey Graham Calls for Sweeping Sanctions**
In contrast to the US’s previous restraint, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham recently stated that at least 72 senators are ready to vote for sweeping new sanctions and tariffs against Russia if Putin continues to avoid serious peace negotiations. This show of support from lawmakers indicates a growing willingness in Washington to take more robust action against Moscow.
The exact options being prepared by American officials remain unknown, as these are reportedly still under consideration by Trump. Any decision will ultimately rest with the US president, who has yet to make a final call on how to proceed.
**A Turning Point for Ukraine?**
As tensions between Russia and the West continue to rise, this development marks a potential turning point in Washington’s approach towards Moscow. If Trump does decide to impose economic pressure on Russia, it could significantly impact the conflict and have far-reaching implications for international relations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
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