Sen. Lindsey Graham said Wednesday, April 30, that 72 US senators support a bill that would impose “bone-crushing” sanctions on Russia – and stiff tariffs on nations that buy its oil and gas – if President Vladimir Putin refuses to engage in serious peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
“The goal is to help the president,” Graham, a South Carolina Republican and a key ally of President Donald Trump, told reporters on Wednesday.
His remarks came the same day the US and Ukraine announced a long-awaited agreement granting American companies access to Ukraine’s natural resources.
The draft legislation, reviewed by Bloomberg News, includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, natural gas, petroleum products or uranium. It would also bar US citizens from buying Russian sovereign debt.
The bill has already surpassed the critical threshold of 60 co-sponsors, with leaders from both sides of the aisle backing it.
Among the supporters are Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Graham’s statement. This broad backing ensures the bill’s passage in the Senate and would provide enough support to overcome a potential veto from President Trump.
“He talked about being frustrated,” Graham said, according to the Bloomberg report. “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.”
Graham warned Putin against underestimating Trump, calling the legislation “a tool in President Trump’s toolbox.”
“When President Trump believes that we’ve reached an impasse, then watch for action,” he said.
Graham also said he has enough support in the House to bring the bill to a vote there.
He predicted that Putin would ultimately face a choice: negotiate or see the Russian economy “crushed.”
The pressure for new sanctions follows a series of legislative moves in Congress. Earlier this month, Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced a bill targeting Russian industries with severe economic penalties if Moscow were to reject a peace agreement.
Meanwhile, House Democrats unveiled a comprehensive Ukraine support package that includes increased sanctions on Russian financial institutions, energy companies, and senior officials. The legislation also provides military aid, direct loans, and funds for Ukraine’s reconstruction, including the appointment of a special coordinator.