The U.S. Senate has supported a bill that proposes a 500% tariff on countries that import oil, gas, or uranium from Russia if President Putin does not agree to peace negotiations. This document also includes new sanctions against the Russian Federation and has already received broad approval among American lawmakers.
This is reported by Finway
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent legislator and ally of Donald Trump, has become one of the main initiators of this bill. He reported that the bill has already been supported by at least 72 senators, effectively guaranteeing its passage in the Senate.
Contents of the Bill and Its Consequences
Graham emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to take “devastating” measures if Russia does not take steps to end the war in Ukraine. The proposal includes a 500% tariff on imports from countries that trade with Russia, as well as prohibiting U.S. citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign bonds.
“This is a tool in President Trump’s arsenal. If Putin continues to play for time, the Russian economy will be destroyed,” Graham stated.
This bill is perceived not only as a political signal to Moscow but also to all nations that continue economic ties with Russia. Countries that still import Russian energy resources will be faced with a choice: distance themselves from cooperation with Russia or face serious consequences in foreign trade with the U.S.
“When President Trump believes we have reached an impasse, then watch for actions,” the senator warned.
Washington’s Position and Cooperation with Ukraine
In his statement, Graham also expressed his views on Russia’s position, noting that Putin, in his opinion, is making a “huge mistake” if he thinks he can manipulate the future U.S. president. At the same time, he emphasized that Washington does not reject diplomacy, but negotiations must be real, not fictitious.
Interestingly, on the same day, the U.S. and Ukraine signed an agreement on access to Ukrainian mineral resources, which is yet another signal of ongoing strategic cooperation, despite internal political changes in Washington. This has provided additional assurance to Ukraine of long-term support from the U.S.
Graham also confirmed that there is sufficient support in the House of Representatives to advance this bill there as well. If the document is approved by both chambers of Congress, the administration will gain a powerful lever of pressure on the Kremlin and its international partners.