The United States Senate has temporarily suspended consideration of a bill that proposes new sanctions against the Russian Federation, as well as restrictions for buyers of Russian oil and gas. As noted by Senate Majority Leader John Thune, this decision is related to the recent statement by US President Donald Trump regarding a new strategy to pressure the Kremlin.
This is reported by Business • Media
Trump’s Position and Its Impact on the Legislative Process
Recently, Trump issued an ultimatum to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, giving him 50 days to reach a peace agreement. If no agreement is reached during this period, the US President promised to impose tariffs not only against Russia but also against its major trading partners. According to John Thune, such a tough stance from the White House makes the passage of a separate sanctions bill, initiated by Senators Graham and Blumenthal, less relevant both in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, where its prospects also appear bleak.
“If at some point the President decides that advancing the bill makes sense and adds value and leverage that he needs in these negotiations, then we will do it. We will be ready,” Thune said.
Leaders’ Opinions and NATO’s Reaction
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also noted that Trump’s initiatives may render the approval of a separate sanctions package unnecessary. According to him, it is President Trump who is capable of convincing Putin to come to the negotiating table and start a dialogue for peace.
At the same time, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on China, India, and Brazil to influence the Russian leadership and demand an end to the war against Ukraine. He emphasized that only an active stance from these countries can help avoid the imposition of secondary sanctions against them.