The European Union and the United States are preparing the next phase of intensified sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation due to its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held talks with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham regarding the coordination of sanctions measures aimed at ending the war.
This is reported by Business • Media
“The EC President welcomes Senator Graham’s initiative to increase pressure on the Russian Federation and advance the bill in the Senate next week,” the EC statement reads.
New Sanction Initiatives from the US and EU
As part of the new bill initiated by Senator Graham, a proposal is made to impose 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. This step aims to significantly reduce Russia’s energy revenues, limiting its financial capacity to continue the war.
At the same time, the European Union is working on its eighteenth package of sanctions, primarily targeting Russia’s energy sector. The new restrictions are expected to further complicate Russia’s access to financial and technological resources.
Position of American Politicians
Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune stated his readiness to begin work on the sanctions bill against Russia as early as June. Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives Republican Mike Johnson expressed strong support for Lindsey Graham’s legislative initiative. He emphasized that a significant portion of Congress advocates for the toughest possible sanctions, and Johnson fully supports this approach.
Senator Graham previously noted that the new sanctions package would allow for the economic isolation of Russia if it refuses to engage in honest negotiations to end the war or commits further aggression against Ukraine after any potential peace agreements are reached.
The Hill reports that US senators are awaiting permission from President Donald Trump to vote on the sanctions restrictions. Meanwhile, the Democratic side of the Senate is losing patience due to the delays in this process.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stressed that if President Trump does not take a tough stance on Vladimir Putin’s actions, the Senate will.