White House displays increased attention towards potential Russian sanctions amid extended Ukraine conflict peace negotiations.
Unleashing a Storm: Russia's Largest Assault on Ukraine Yet, Politics, and Potential Peace Talks
Hey there! Let's dive into the latest buzz about Russia's relentless assault on Ukraine. Alex Hogan sheds light on one of the biggest Russian attacks since the war kicked off. Meanwhile, our thought-provoking contributor, Mike Pompeo, discusses the US travel ban and the potential role of the United States in peace negotiations.
It appears that the White House is engaged in confidential negotiations with Capitol Hill regarding a proposed sanctions bill focused on Russia. Our exclusive intel reveals this discreet movement towards enacting legislation that targets Russia's economic backbone.
The Senators Lindsey Graham, R-SC, and Richard Blumenthal, D-CT, introduced this bill months ago, and it amassed 82 co-sponsors. However, the Senate postponed a vote to afford President Donald Trump the room to foster a diplomatic settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
With Trump growing increasingly suspicious of Putin's intentions to bring an end to the war, this bill may soon face a vote. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that vigorous talks between lawmakers and the White House are ongoing, although no specific timeline has been agreed upon.
"The House has the appetite to move it as well," said one congressional source.
Companion legislation garners 70 House co-sponsors.
Michael Anton, a State Department policy planner, has reportedly hinted to allies that the White House has little interest in imposing unilateral sanctions. However, Anton has also assured that the administration won't obstruct the Graham-Blumenthal legislation.
As the behind-the-scenes drama unfolds, the White House is exerting pressure to incorporate revisions that would increase the president's discretion in enforcing the sanctions. Specifically, officials are pushing for changes that replace any "shall" with "may" in the bill's text – a subtle yet powerful shift that would weaken mandatory enforcement.
"The White House, irrespective of who is in power, always seeks to water down the bill – it's standard practice," the source claimed. "When any committee, congressman or senator intends to draft a sanctions bill, career officials always send back emails advising them to replace 'shall' with 'may.'"
SEN LINDSEY GRAHAM: SANCTIONS BILL AIMED TO CHANGE PUTIN'S MINDSET, PRESERVE WORLD ORDER
The legislation champions harsh economic penalties, such as a whopping 500% tariff on any nation doing business with Moscow, and sanctions on key Russian officials and entities.
Graham has acknowledged that negotiations will likely involve tweaks, such as potential exceptions from the tariff provision for nations extending assistance to Ukraine. This concession would offer relief to European allies that remain reliant on Russian energy sources.
"Why don't we make an exception for countries that help Ukraine?" Graham posited in an interview with Semafor earlier in June. "If you're providing military or economic aid to Ukraine, you'll receive an exemption. This means that China, if it doesn't want to suffer sanctions, should help Ukraine."
Trump, in candid remarks published on Wednesday, questioned Putin's genuine interest in ending the conflict.
LINDSEY GRAHAM TO PUSH 'BONE-CRUSHING SANCTIONS AND TARIFFS' TO COERCE RUSSIA TO PEACE WITH UKRAINE
"I'm starting to think maybe he doesn't," Trump commented when asked if Putin grows alarmed at losing thousands of soldiers each week in Ukraine.
On Capitol Hill, Trump's top military advisers were quizzed on whether they believe Putin intends to halt his offensive.
"I don't believe he intends to," responded Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
"At this point, it remains to be seen," added Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The European Union presented a fresh sanctions package, yet to be voted on, which prohibits transactions with the Nord Stream energy pipelines.
Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the US has imposed sweeping sanctions: cutting Russian banks off from the U.S. financial system, freezing over $300 billion in Kremlin assets, banning critical technology exports, and blocking imports of Russian fuel.
- The proposed sanctions bill currently under negotiation in the White House and Capitol Hill is focused on Russia, aiming to target its economic backbone and alter Putin's mindset.
- In the midst of ongoing war-and-conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, politics has taken a front seat with Senator Lindsey Graham advocating for "bone-crushing sanctions and tariffs" to coerce Russia into peace talks.
- Despite pushing for changes that would increase the president's discretion in enforcing the sanctions, the Graham-Blumenthal legislation is surrounded by debate in the realm of policy-and-legislation, with Александр Хаан's report shedding light on the behind-the-scenes drama unfolding.
