Senate imposes potential 500% tax increases on Russian imports if Putin resists efforts for Ukrainian peace – Bloomberg report
Unleashing a Political Storm: Senate's "Bone-Crushing" Sanctions Against Russia
Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, has stirred the political waters, claiming that a whopping 72 of his Senate colleagues are prepared to vote for new, aggressive sanctions against Russia and substantial tariffs on nations assisting Moscow.
According to Bloomberg, as reported by European Pravda, this bill, which Graham helped draft, promises to slap 500% tariffs on imports from countries buying Russian oil, petroleum products, gas, or uranium. Furthermore, the legislation would prohibit US citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.
Graham shared his thoughts, stating, "The goal is to help the president." He emphasized that these sanctions represent the Senate’s viewpoint, viewing Russia as the primary antagonist in the ongoing conflict. Graham also warned Putin, "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 added that Putin "would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump," and this bill was introduced as a preventive measure. If President Trump believed negotiations hit an impasse, Graham implied, the Russian economy would feel the brunt of these sanctions, leaving Putin with the choice between serious negotiations or a "crushed" economy.
In the past, following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump criticized Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and voiced doubts about Putin's desire to end the war, threatening him with sanctions. Similarly, in an interview with ABC News, Trump did not express whether he trusted Putin but suggested that Putin "would like to stop the war."
In essence, the sanctions bill, if passed, could significantly impact Russia's economy and its actions in Ukraine, demonstrating the resolve of the U.S. government to protect Ukraine's sovereignty. Despite the uncertainty surrounding bilateral relations between Russia and the U.S. under the new administration, these proposed sanctions underscore a bipartisan effort to pressure Russia into negotiating a peaceful resolution while reaffirming U.S. commitment to Ukraine's defense.
Further Insight:
- The proposed bill aims to impose primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and entities supporting its aggression in Ukraine if Russia fails to engage in good-faith negotiations for a lasting peace or undermines Ukraine's sovereignty after such a peace is negotiated[2].
- The bill includes a provision to impose a 500% tariff on imports from counties that purchase Russian oil, natural gas, petroleum products, or uranium if Russia avoids serious peace negotiations to end the war[3][4].
- The legislation is designed to maintain steadfast support for Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its actions in the conflict[2][3].
- Senator Lindsey Graham, noted for his alliance with former President Donald Trump, asserted that over 70 Senate colleagues are ready to vote for new sanctions against Russia and import tariffs on nations aiding Moscow, as part of a bipartisan effort.
- Graham's drafted bill, as reported by European Pravda and Bloomberg, intends to impose 500% tariffs on nations buying Russian oil, petroleum products, gas, or uranium, and prohibit US citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.
- In his statement, Graham asserted that the sanctions aim to support the president and view Russia as the primary antagonist in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- Graham cautioned Putin, urging for a negotiated and honorable end to the war, but emphasized that these sanctions also represent a Senate warning to Putin not to underestimate President Trump's negotiation capabilities.
- Previously, Trump had criticized Russia's attacks on Ukrainian cities and threatened Putin with sanctions, while expressing doubts about his desire to end the war.
- If passed, the sanctions bill could significantly impact Russia's economy and actions in Ukraine, demonstrating the U.S. government's determination to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine's defense.
