US senators push for new sanctions on Russia ahead of G7 summit

Two US senators, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, have called for new sanctions on Russia to be imposed before the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June.

The lawmakers emphasised the need for coordinated action between the US and Europe to curb purchases of cheap Russian oil by China and India, Caliber.Az reports citing US media.

In a joint statement issued on June 1 following meetings in Paris with senior French officials, Graham and Blumenthal said: “By the G-7 summit, we hope to have sanctions put in place — in coordination with Europe — to deliver an unequivocal message to China.”

The proposed sanctions bill, which currently has 82 co-sponsors, aims to cut off funding for Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. The G7 summit will take place in Alberta, Canada, from June 15 to 17.

However, it remains unclear whether US President Donald Trump, who has advocated for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, will support the tougher measures. Recently, Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Graham’s bill includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil products and uranium, a move expected to disrupt global oil markets.

Over the weekend, Graham and Blumenthal also held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. The senators said:

“We assured President Macron and his team that we believe Putin is playing games regarding peace and is actually preparing for a military offensive in the late summer or early fall.”

They added that Macron supports lowering the G7-backed price cap for Russian oil.

By Aghakazim Guliyev