**US Senate Pushes for Sweeping Sanctions on Russia, but Trump Holds Back**
The US Senate is united in its efforts to pass a bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy exports. However, the bill’s passage hangs in the balance due to President Donald Trump’s reluctance to move forward.
According to Fox News, nearly 82 senators have backed the sanctions bill authored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal. The proposed legislation aims to impose up to 500% tariffs on Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other energy exports. These measures are designed to put a financial squeeze on Russia’s war economy, particularly targeting its trade with China and India.
The sanctions bill has gained momentum despite Trump’s continued push for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. However, these efforts have failed to produce any tangible results, as Russia continues to escalate its attacks in Ukraine. The US Senate sees the sanctions as a way to strengthen Trump’s hand in negotiations.
**Bipartisan Backing but White House Reluctance**
Despite having broad support from senators across the aisle, the legislation has stalled due to the White House’s reluctance to move forward. Republican Senator John Kennedy expressed his frustration with the delay, stating that “if President Trump asked me my opinion, I would tell them, ‘let’s go now.'”
The White House’s hesitation to push for the sanctions bill has led some lawmakers to believe that Trump is being played by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal described Putin as “totally unserious” about ending the conflict.
**Trump’s Peace Talks Falter**
Meanwhile, Trump’s efforts to broker peace talks between Ukraine and Russia have hit a snag. The latest round of negotiations in Istanbul ended without a ceasefire, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejecting Putin’s demands, including ceding large swaths of Ukrainian territory.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal have both expressed skepticism over Putin’s intentions, stating that he is not interested in peace and plans to continue dismembering Ukraine. The two senators traveled to Ukraine during the Senate’s Memorial Day recess and met with Zelenskyy.
**Sanctions Could Strengthen Trump’s Hand**
Despite Trump’s continued diplomatic efforts, other lawmakers believe that the sanctions would actually strengthen his hand in negotiations. Republican Senator Thom Tillis described the bill as a “real enabler” for the Trump administration, while Democrat Senator Tim Kaine said it gives Trump leverage.
The Senate is waiting on direct White House approval before bringing the bill to a vote. Graham has expressed hope that the sanctions will be enacted before next week’s G7 Summit in Italy, sending an unequivocal message to China.
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