House Speaker Johnson backs harsher sanctions on Russia

• Mike Johnson supports tightening sanctions against Russia.
• The talks in Istanbul did not yield the expected results.
• The US Congress is awaiting a signal from the White House.

The Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, has expressed support for imposing stricter sanctions on Russia. This decision is a response to the lack of progress in talks between Russia and Ukraine, which took place in Istanbul. Russia presented Ukraine with conditions that are impossible to accept, prompting American politicians to consider further actions.

There's many members of Congress that want us to sanction Russia as strongly as we can. And I'm an advocate of that.— said Johnson.

Johnson, as the highest-ranking Republican advocating for additional sanctions, emphasised that many members of Congress wish to impose the toughest possible sanctions on Russia. He assured that the Senate "also stands ready to provide President Trump with any tools he needs to get Russia to finally come to the table in a real way." However, Johnson is waiting for the go-ahead from the White House.

The sanctions bill, prepared by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, aims to impose restrictions on the Russian energy and banking sectors and introduces high tariffs on crude oil. This bill, described as "bone-breaking," aims to pressure Russia into engaging in genuine negotiations.

The Democratic leader in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, criticised President Trump for his lack of decisive actions towards Russia. "Putin is a clear villain and a bully. So where is Donald Trump's backbone? Where is his conviction?" Schumer asked, emphasising the need for a firm stance against Russia.

The decision to impose new sanctions on Russia could be made in the coming weeks. President Trump, despite earlier declarations of wanting to reach an agreement, may be forced to take firmer steps under political and international pressure.