Sen. Graham Secures Backing for Presidentially-Imposed Sanctions Targeting Russia, Drawing Criticism for Unyielding Approach
Updated: Senator Graham's Russia Sanctions Bill Gains Momentum
Hop on board as we breakdown the latest on sanctions against Russia!
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), alongside fellow senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, proposing severe sanctions on Russia if it fails to initiate peace talks with Ukraine. In an exclusive scoop from Bloomberg, a staggering 72 lawmakers have voiced their support for this bill, with over 60 co-sponsors that include Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
In the heart of the fray, Graham stands firm, describing the sanctions as a significant economic blow to Russia when no peace accord surfaces. The bill reaches far, proposing hefty tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, oil products, natural gas, uranium, and other goods.
Revel in the power politics as the European Union prepares a "Plan B," should President Trump opt out of the talks. The Russian market, seeing the writing on the wall, regards Western sanctions as illegal and demands their cancelation[1][2].
On April 30, Washington and Kyiv signed a pact for joint mineral extraction and the formation of an investment fund to aid Ukraine's revival. Fresh off a meet-up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump expressed optimism that Putin wishes to put an end to the conflict. However, Graham maintains that Putin is merely playing games[3].
As Moscow demands effort, time, and Kiev's participation in direct talks to settle the crisis, tensions remain high. Putin suggested a three-day ceasefire on May 8-11 to mark Victory Day[4]. Zelensky, on the other hand, called for a 30-day ceasefire, while Kiev revealed its readiness for a prolonged halt in military actions if Moscow agrees.
Stay tuned as Ramblings' finely tuned radar catches every shred of news on this unfolding drama. Catch us tomorrow for a fresh take on the latest developments in global politics!
[1]: Raspyniak, B. (2025, July 10). S. 1490 - Russia Sanctions Enforcement Fund Act. Congressional Research Service. https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/IF11588.pdf
[2]: Meeks-Hoyer Bill sponsors. (2025, July 10). Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2311
[3]: The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025. (2025, July 10). Congress.gov. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1241
[4]: Manning, S. (2025, July 10). U.S. Russia Sanctions Effort Faces Headwinds Amid Trump-Putin Meeting Posturing. Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/07/10/u-s-russia-sanctions-effort-faces-headwinds-amid-trump-putin-meeting-posturing/
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has joined Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and 72 other lawmakers in backing the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, a bill introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which proposes severe economic sanctions against Russia.
- Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) insists that the proposed sanctions in the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 would serve as a significant economic blow to Russia if peace talks with Ukraine are not initiated.
- The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 proposes to impose heavy tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, oil products, natural gas, uranium, and other goods if Russia fails to comply with the peace talks.
- In the ongoing political landscape, there is a growing readiness to enforce war-and-conflicts related sanctions against Russia amidst the regional unrest and general news headlines.
