Senate Nears 500% Tariffs on Russian Energy to Halt Putin War Machine

Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican ally of former President Donald Trump, has been a vocal advocate for imposing severe sanctions on Russia to halt its war against Ukraine. He co-sponsored the bipartisan 'Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,' which proposes 500% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas to economically isolate Moscow and pressure it into peace negotiations. Despite some divisions within the Republican Party, Graham emphasizes that if Russia continues to avoid genuine peace talks, the Senate is prepared to act independently of the White House to stop Putin's 'war machine.' He acknowledges President Trump's efforts to negotiate a ceasefire but warns that Russia has made many excuses and must face real consequences. With strong Senate support, including over 80 co-sponsors, the bill aims to cut off Moscow's economic support, particularly from countries like China and India, which are major buyers of Russian energy. Graham underscores that Ukraine is ready for peace, but the burden lies with Russia, and the Senate remains ready to implement sanctions if diplomatic efforts fail.