The Voice News: Bipartisan momentum is building in the Senate to impose tough sanctions on Russia as its war with Ukraine escalates. But Republicans are holding off, awaiting a green light from President Trump.
Despite growing condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin — even from Trump — the former president has not yet endorsed the bill, which already has more than 80 co-sponsors. That hesitation has stalled progress.
“We’re working with the White House. We’re ready to move when they are,” said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has been in talks with Trump alongside Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). “We don’t want to move ahead without their support — it could backfire.”
Graham, a lead sponsor of the bill, calls it “the most draconian bill I’ve ever seen in the Senate.” The proposal would impose steep tariffs — up to 500% — on countries buying oil, gas, uranium, and other goods from Russia. China and India, which account for 70% of Russia’s energy exports, would be directly affected.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the bill may reach the floor this work period. “There’s strong bipartisan interest in acting decisively,” he said.
Meanwhile, Trump has increased criticism of Putin but remains noncommittal. Asked about the bill last Friday, he said, “I don’t know. I’ll have to see it.”
Graham recently visited Kyiv and Paris, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. “We saw credible signs of a new Russian offensive this summer or early fall,” he said.
The urgency follows Ukraine’s dramatic drone strike that destroyed 40 Russian warplanes — about a third of its bomber fleet — and Russia’s record-breaking drone assault on Ukraine, launching 472 drones in a single day.
Some lawmakers say the time for waiting is over. “Now that Trump finally sees Putin for what he is, it’s time to act,” said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who pledged to vote for the sanctions “in a heartbeat.”
Democrats are openly frustrated. “The best thing Trump can do is stand firmly with Ukraine — but he hasn’t,” said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). “Where is Trump’s backbone? Senators on both sides are tired of his soft approach to Putin. If he won’t act, we will.”
Schumer called the sanctions bill a “hammer blow” to Moscow. “It’s urgently needed — and needed now.”