The US Senate will impose severe sanctions against Russia if Vladimir Putin does not show readiness for a ceasefire in Ukraine within a few days. This was stated by the authors of the proposalLindsey Graham (Republican of South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat of Connecticut).
The two senators said they already have the support of more than 80 of their colleagues. The upper chamber consists of 100 representatives, but the bill still has not yet been voted on.
These sanctions will be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine, the authors of the proposal announced. They recall that Russia has agreed to provide its own ceasefire memorandum in the next few days. Its content will say a lot about whether Russia is serious about peace.
It is planned to impose a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.
“If things do not change, Russia can expect decisive action from the United States Senate. Our legislation will isolate Russia - put it on a trade island by imposing severe tariffs on other countries that support these atrocities. One of the main priorities of our legislation is to hold China accountable for supporting Putin's war machine. Without China's economic support, Putin's war machine will grind to a halt,“ the two said senators.
They made it clear: “Putin is playing games. The United States Senate is ready to act if these games continue“.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that he expects Russia to present a proposal for a ceasefire with Ukraine within a few days, which would allow Washington to assess whether Moscow is serious about peace, Le Monde recalls. “Russia is the aggressor. Russia must end this bloodshed. That is my opinion“, Graham said on Wednesday in the Senate, discussing the bill. “It is time to increase the cost of this war for Putin.“