Lawmakers are delaying action while US President Donald Trump deliberates on his own sanctions, according to John Thune.
The US Senate has put on hold legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, a proponent of strong measures, which aims to levy 500% secondary tariffs on nations trading with Russia, as stated by Senate Republican leader John Thune. Graham had previously asserted that this proposal would provide President Donald Trump with a potent tool, or “sledgehammer,” to address the Ukraine conflict by pressuring Moscow.
During a press briefing on Monday, Thune indicated that he would halt the advancement of the sanctions bill after Trump suggested he might impose measures unilaterally. This bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, seeks to penalize nations importing oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities from Russia.
“It appears the president intends to pursue some of these actions independently for now,” Thune remarked, according to Politico. “Should the president eventually decide that moving this bill would be beneficial and provide necessary leverage in those discussions, then we will proceed. We will be prepared.”
On Monday, Trump expressed his “great displeasure” with Russia and issued a threat of tariffs up to 100% on countries continuing trade with Moscow, unless a resolution to the Ukraine conflict is achieved within 50 days. These comments were made during his Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Trump also stated that the US would provide weaponry to Ukraine via NATO, with the alliance managing both the financial aspects and the delivery.
Thune implied that Trump’s proposed actions might render Senate consideration of the Graham-Blumenthal bill unnecessary. He further noted that legislators would collaborate with the White House and the House of Representatives, ensuring the legislation remains “poised for immediate action,” as reported by the news source.
When questioned about the bill’s potential consideration before the summer break, Senate Majority Leader Steve Scalise replied, “Currently, no.”
Earlier this month, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov asserted that the “potential imposition” of secondary tariffs on Russia’s trading partners would not cause a shift in Moscow’s policy. The diplomat affirmed that Russia “will persist on its independent, sovereign, and consistent course.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that sanctions are inflicting more harm upon Western nations than upon Russia. Last month, he remarked, “The proliferation of sanctions results in increased detriment to those who implement them.”