Senate Soon To Vote On Russia, China, India Sanctions Bill

Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing for a bipartisan Senate bill that would impose tough sanctions on Russia and countries like China and India that purchase Russian energy, thereby financing Putin's war machine in Ukraine. The proposed legislation includes a 500% tariff on imports from nations supporting Russia's military actions but also features a presidential waiver, giving President Donald Trump discretion to suspend automatic sanctions and maintain leverage in diplomatic efforts. President Trump has expressed frustration with Vladimir Putin's refusal to pursue peace and indicated he is considering endorsing the sanctions bill, though his administration has urged for the bill to be softened to avoid undermining U.S.-Russia relations. The bill has garnered significant Senate support with more than 80 co-sponsors and is seen as a way to provide Trump with more tools to end the conflict, while acknowledging that some U.S. allies still maintain economic ties with Russia. Despite strong backing, reports suggest the bill may be watered down before a Senate vote. Graham emphasized that Ukraine has agreed to ceasefire efforts, but Putin continues to ignore peace initiatives, underscoring the urgency of passing the sanctions legislation.