US President Donald Trump has indicated his support for a new bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at countries that purchase Russian oil or gas. The move signals a tougher stance on Moscow and appears designed to increase pressure on Russia to negotiate an end to the nearly four-year conflict in Ukraine.
Trump has asked Senator Lindsey Graham to advance the legislation, which would impose severe sanctions on nations importing Russian energy, including major buyers like Brazil, China, and India. The goal is to weaken Moscow’s oil-dependent economy and disrupt its ability to sustain the war effort.
The announcement coincided with a high-profile US operation that seized the Russian-flagged oil tanker Bella 1 in the North Atlantic after a lengthy pursuit, a move that has provoked strong criticism from Russia and its allies. Around the same time, Trump authorized a special forces mission targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on alleged drug and narco-terrorism charges, drawing global attention. Analysts caution that these actions could escalate tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Senator Graham, a long-time supporter of Ukraine, said the Senate could vote on the bill as early as next week. He described it as a way to hold countries accountable for “buying cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine.” Graham also noted a recent meeting with Trump, during which the president expressed support for seeing the legislation through.
Observers suggest Trump’s shift reflects frustration with ongoing peace negotiations. The president has consistently highlighted his efforts to broker international agreements and has publicly expressed disappointment after missing the Nobel Peace Prize. Officials suggest he sees the sanctions bill as a way to gain leverage to push Moscow toward serious talks.
Previously, Trump hesitated to endorse severe sanctions, fearing they might complicate ceasefire negotiations. This legislation, however, represents a decisive change. It builds on earlier measures, including sanctions imposed on Russia’s two largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, marking the first such action since Trump returned to office.
The timing also follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s third visit to Washington in 2025, aimed at advancing Trump’s peace initiatives. Yet challenges remain, particularly over territorial disputes and security guarantees, which continue to complicate potential agreements.
This development comes after Trump faced domestic criticism for controversial remarks about an ICE agent involved in the Minneapolis shooting, highlighting the ongoing intersection of foreign and domestic pressures in his administration.
Comments
Post a Comment