Bone-Crushing Sanctions Against Russia in the Works
Senators in the U.S. endorse severe economic sanctions against Russia, imposing tariffs five times the standard rate on its allied nations.
Looks like the Senate is gearing up for a round of harsh punches against Russia, as at least 72 senators are ready to back a bipartisan bill. This bill, spearheaded by none other than Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal, is designed to impose crushing sanctions and tariffs on Russia, with a twist for nations trading in Russian energy. The bill—dubbed the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025—is bringing immediate worry to Vladimir Putin's doorstep.
The bone-breaking legislation packs quite a punch, focusing on putting pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful talks to end the war in Ukraine. If Russia refuses or breaches future peace accords, new sanctions will kick in. But here's where it gets interesting. A whopping 500% tariff will be imposed on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, or uranium, posing a significant threat to economies of China, India, and Iran.
"These sanctions could potentially devastate Russia's economy," emphasized Graham. The sanctions bill has already surpassed the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, making it filibuster-proof, and future approval seems almost guaranteed, potentially giving it the power to override a presidential veto. The House is also warming up to a similar bill, which is gaining bipartisan support.
The escalating tensions follow Ukraine's agreement to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Russia's participation. Sen. Graham voiced grave doubts about Russia's compliance, stating, "If they do not pursue the ceasefire with the same vigor as Ukraine, there will be hell to pay."
As for President Trump, he has voiced his frustrations over Russia's resistance to peace efforts, but his administration has yet to take decisive action against the country.
Fun Fact
Did you know? The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, aka S. 1241 in the Senate and H.R. 2548 in the House, is just one of several bills focused on imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine. Reps. Gregory Meeks and Steny Hoyer introduced another bill aimed at providing security assistance and post-war reconstruction aid to Ukraine. Keep an eye on these bills as they progress through Congress!
- Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal's bill, the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, aims to impose crushing sanctions and tariffs on Russia, particularly on nations trading in Russian energy.
- The bill, which already surpassed the 60-vote threshold in the Senate, has the potential to override a presidential veto due to its filibuster-proof status.
- The focus of the bill is to put pressure on Russia to engage in meaningful talks to end the war in Ukraine, with additional sanctions to follow if Russia refuses or breaches future peace accords.
- A significant threat is posed to the economies of China, India, and Iran with the imposition of a 500% tariff on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, or uranium.
