Bipartisan senators demand tougher sanctions on Russia to end war

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, co-author of a bill proposing new sanctions against Russia, insists that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin “does not deserve extra time” and called for an expedited vote on the legislation.

Speaking to Ukrainian media, Blumenthal emphasised the urgency of accelerating the sanctions process, stating, “Everything the president (Donald Trump) is doing is in the right direction, but I strongly advocate for sanctions to be 500% rather than 100%.”

Blumenthal urged lawmakers to “seize the moment” and push the bill forward, noting that there are currently 85 Senate supporters and the possibility of securing 90 votes if needed.

“I think the vote is a very achievable and necessary goal. Now is the time for action, not only because of the president's executive order, but also because of the legislative initiative to show unity between the president and Congress. We need to vote for this bill to show that we are fulfilling our commitments to Ukraine,” Blumenthal said.

He added that the sanctions bill will help “stop the war” and that “Putin must understand this.”

Senator Lindsey Graham, Blumenthal’s co-author on the sanctions bill, warned that if “Putin does not sit down at the negotiating table,” President Trump will impose tariffs on China and India, accusing these countries of buying Russian oil without supporting Ukraine.

“He can do this through an executive order or through a legislative initiative in Congress. Good news from me for Ukraine: the president will increase pressure on Russia's customers to bring Putin to the negotiating table,” Graham said.

By Tamilla Hasanova