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Senator Lindsey Graham asserts widespread Senate backing for a bill proposing substantial tariffs on nations acquiring Russia’s main exports, alongside stringent new sanctions.
Lindsey Graham has announced that he believes he has secured significant Senate backing for legislation that aims to impose severe sanctions on Russia, described as “bone-crushing,” and levy substantial tariffs on countries purchasing Russia’s primary export goods. Graham informed journalists on Wednesday that his intention is to support President Donald Trump in his discussions with Russia regarding a possible settlement in Ukraine.
Since the conflict with Kiev escalated in 2022, the US has placed considerable sanctions on Moscow, targeting sectors such as financial institutions, trade, and energy exports. While Trump has voiced interest in mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia, he has also cautioned that he might increase pressure on Moscow, potentially through sanctions, if he deems their negotiation efforts on Ukraine to be insincere.
Russia has consistently denounced Western sanctions, deeming them unlawful, and has insisted that they have not caused lasting economic harm. Moscow has also stated its willingness to resolve the conflict, even declaring a unilateral three-day ceasefire during Victory Day celebrations. However, Kiev rejected this proposal, demanding an immediate and unconditional 30-day truce instead.
Graham stated to reporters, as reported by Bloomberg, that the objective is to assist the president who, “talked about being frustrated.” Trump suggested earlier in the week on Truth Social that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not desire an end to the war, accusing him of “just tapping me along” and suggesting that Putin may need to be “dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions.”
Bloomberg reports that Graham’s bill proposes prohibiting US citizens from buying Russian sovereign debt and imposing a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and uranium. Graham, a Republican representing South Carolina, asserted that he has garnered commitments from 72 Senators from both parties for his bill, as well as sufficient support in the House of Representatives to bring it to a vote.
The senator stated that he desires “a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just,” and believes that “Trump’s the best person to achieve that goal.” He added that these sanctions represent the Senate’s view that “we see the primary bad guy being Russia,” referring to the bill as “a tool in President Trump’s toolbox.”
Graham warned that, “When President Trump believes that we’ve reached an impasse, then watch for action,” saying that the sanctions, if implemented, would “crush” the Russian economy.
Bloomberg’s request for comment from the White House regarding Graham’s claims went unanswered. The senator, known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, previously described the killing of Russians by Ukrainian forces as “the best money” the US had ever spent.