Senators press for tougher sanctions to force Russian peace
American Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They discussed sanctions and other measures that could be applied to pressure Russia into establishing peace.
What you need to know
- Meeting in Kyiv: American Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal visited Kyiv, where they met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Bill proposal: 82 senators supported the bill proposing sanctions on Russia and countries importing Russian oil, gas, and uranium.
- Visit to Europe: Senator Graham plans visits to Paris and Berlin to persuade European allies to lower the price cap on Russian oil.
What sanctions are the senators planning?
"Additional pressure is needed. I am grateful for the initiative - a bipartisan sanctions bill already supported by 82 senators. We talked about this and other levers we can use to force Russia into peace. We will continue to work on this together," said Zelensky on Telegram.
Republican Senator Graham mentioned that the bill includes strong sanctions not only on Russia but also on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. Seventy percent of all Russian oil is bought by China and India, he added.
Will Europe join the sanctions?
Graham announced trips to Paris and Berlin to encourage European allies to reduce the price cap on Russian oil. If Europe does this, it will matter. It will harm the Russian war machine, stated the senator. He further mentioned that if Europe sanctions China, the US Senate will act similarly.
Democrat Senator Blumenthal stressed the importance of halting the Russian offensive for national security. For our national security, it is crucial to stop Russia's bloody and brutal offensive because Putin will persist. If he is not stopped in Ukraine, he may continue actions against Poland, Sweden, and Finland. Any resolution plan must guarantee Ukraine's security, he emphasized.
"Russia is trying to ridicule diplomacy"
The head of the Ukrainian state thanked the senators for being in Ukraine at a time when coordination of efforts for a decent and lasting peace is most needed.
- We also understand that Russia is trying to ridicule diplomacy: it hides behind negotiations but prepares for new offensive operations on the front, bombards our cities and villages daily, and rejects all ceasefire proposals, said Zelensky.
According to the president, "America's genuine involvement at all stages of negotiations can guarantee a lasting peace".
