**US Senators Unite with Ukraine, Push for Tougher Sanctions on Russia**
This week, US Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal made a high-profile visit to Kyiv, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The meeting aimed to reaffirm bipartisan support for Ukraine and promote a Senate bill that proposes significant new sanctions on Russia.
The senators are co-authors of the bill, which would impose severe penalties on Russia, including 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, gas, and other critical resources. This move is intended to send a strong message to buyers of Russian energy, including major customers like China and India.
**A Strong Message to Russia**
Senator Blumenthal emphasized that the bill’s primary goal is to make it expensive for countries to continue buying Russian energy. “The Senate’s response will be clear – 500% tariffs on anyone buying Russian oil, gas, or petrochemicals,” he said. This measure aims to cut off a significant revenue stream for Russia, making it harder for the country to fund its military operations.
Senator Graham also highlighted the broad support behind the bill, stating that over 80 US senators have backed the proposal. He added that the Senate could begin reviewing the bill next week.
**Ukraine’s Call for Stronger Global Pressure**
The visit comes as Ukraine and Russia prepare for a new round of peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. While Moscow has proposed the meeting, Ukraine has not confirmed its attendance and is demanding that Russia publish its proposed peace terms in advance.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Moscow continues to use diplomatic platforms to delay rather than negotiate. “We will not attend ‘on blind terms’,” he said, emphasizing Kyiv’s insistence on serious Russian concessions before engaging in talks.
**A Critical Test for Diplomacy**
International observers are closely watching the situation, as Ukraine insists that without meaningful Russian concessions, negotiations will remain superficial. The last round of talks led to a major prisoner exchange but little progress toward a lasting ceasefire.
The upcoming talks in Istanbul represent a critical test for diplomacy. Will Russia be willing to make genuine concessions, or will it continue to use diplomatic channels to delay and divide? The world is watching, and the US Senate’s bill proposes to take a firm stance against Russia’s actions.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
