US senator pushes “bone-crushing” sanctions to back Trump in Russia-Ukraine talks

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key Republican ally of former President Donald Trump, announced that 72 senators have committed to backing a sweeping new sanctions bill targeting Russia, should President Vladimir Putin refuse to engage in serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters, Graham described the proposed measures as “bone-crushing” and aimed at reinforcing Trump’s negotiating position. The bill would impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, gas, petroleum products, or uranium. It would also prohibit American citizens from buying Russian sovereign debt, according to a draft version obtained by Bloomberg News.

“The goal is to help the president,” said Graham, referring to Trump. “I want a negotiated end to the war — honorably and just. I think Trump’s the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate’s view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia.”

The announcement coincided with the U.S. and Ukraine unveiling a new agreement over access to Ukraine’s natural resources, a move seen as a reassurance to Kyiv amid lingering concerns that Trump might scale back support for Ukraine in favor of a direct peace deal with Moscow.

Graham emphasized that the bill would serve as a critical bargaining tool for Trump, warning Putin against underestimating the former president. “Putin would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump,” he said. “This bill is a tool in President Trump’s toolbox.”

“When President Trump believes that we’ve reached an impasse, then watch for action,” he added.

Graham also stated he has secured sufficient backing in the House of Representatives to bring the sanctions legislation forward there, expressing confidence that the pressure campaign would eventually force Putin to the negotiating table or face devastating economic consequences.

“Putin will either sit down with Trump to end the war or see the Russian economy crushed,” Graham said.

By Khagan Isayev