**Finnish PM Criticizes Trump’s Attempt to Weaken Russia Sanctions Bill**
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has expressed disappointment over reported attempts by US President Donald Trump to weaken a Russia sanctions bill. On June 7, Orpo criticized the weakened legislation, calling on the US Senate to pass it quickly and completely.
“We need to force (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to the negotiating table,” Orpo said at a press conference in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. His comments come as reports emerge that Trump is pressuring Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to soften the sanctions bill he is leading. The bipartisan legislation could introduce a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials.
**The Battle Over Sanctions**
Orpo’s criticism of Trump’s attempts to weaken the sanctions bill comes as tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate. A NATO summit, scheduled for June 24-26 in the Netherlands, will cover a range of issues, including defense spending and Russia’s war against Ukraine. The stakes are high, with Orpo urging leaders to “get decisions now.”
Meanwhile, Trump has been accused of putting pressure on lawmakers to wait for his approval before advancing the sanctions bill. At a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 5, Trump said that lawmakers were waiting for him to decide what to do. Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, who also leads the sanctions bill, has confirmed that negotiations have been taking place behind the scenes with White House officials.
**A Blow to Ukraine and NATO Allies?**
The weakening of the Russia sanctions bill could be a significant blow to Ukraine and other NATO allies, which are struggling to cope with the economic and humanitarian fallout from Russia’s war. The 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials is seen as an important tool in pressuring Moscow to end its aggression.
For Orpo, however, the priority is clear: “We need to force Putin to the negotiating table.” With tensions between Russia and the West continuing to rise, the stakes are high. Will Trump’s attempts to weaken the sanctions bill ultimately succeed, or will leaders find a way to stand firm against Russian aggression? The answer may become clearer at the upcoming NATO summit.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
