Trump says he would back Russia sanctions bill with presidential control

US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to sign legislation imposing sanctions on Russia, provided he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any measures, a senior White House official said on November 17.

Trump told reporters late on November 16 that it was "OK with me" that Republicans were working on legislation to impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia over Moscow's failure to negotiate a peace deal with Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports via Reuters.

The president also suggested that lawmakers may take his recommendation to add Iran to the sanctions measure.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Lindsey Graham and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, would target countries trading with Russia, including buyers of its energy exports.

Trump's comments on November 16 could clear the way for the legislation to move forward in Congress. Leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives have so far held off bringing the bill to a vote, as Trump has previously preferred imposing tariffs on goods imported from India, the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China.

Asked if Trump was now ready to back the legislation, the official said, "He would sign it. He signalled that last night."

The White House will, however, insist on specific language ensuring the president retains control over the sanctions.

"It's always been important to the White House and the president that there's a carve-out in the sanctions package that ensures the president has the ultimate decision-making authority on the sanctions," the official said. "So as long as that is included, I think the president would entertain signing the bill."

The official added that the administration is continuing efforts to negotiate with Russia on ending the war. "We're definitely still working it. It just hasn't been the centre of the news because we have so much going on."

By Aghakazim Guliyev