US House Speaker Supports Senate Bill Tightening Sanctions on Russia

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed strong support for a Senate-backed bipartisan bill proposing stringent sanctions against Russia due to its ongoing war against Ukraine. The bill, introduced by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, would impose severe penalties including a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, gas, coal, or uranium, aiming to increase economic pressure on Russia and deter trading with Russian energy resources. Johnson acknowledged widespread congressional support for intensifying sanctions, stating he is an advocate for sanctioning Russia as strongly as possible. Despite this, President Donald Trump has hesitated to impose new sanctions, hoping for a peace deal, but indicated readiness to act if Moscow stalls negotiations. Recent peace talks in Istanbul included proposals for easing sanctions conditional on compliance, but Russia's limited ceasefire offer contrasts with Ukraine's call for a longer unconditional ceasefire supported by Western partners. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, have emphasized the possibility of escalating sanctions should Russia fail to engage in good faith peace negotiations.