US Senators push for tougher sanctions in Kyiv discussions
American Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They discussed sanctions and other measures that could be applied to force Russia into peace.
What do 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: Eighty-two senators supported the bill proposing sanctions on Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium.
- Visit to Europe: Senator Graham plans to visit 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 reminded that the bill provides for strong sanctions not only on Russia but also on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and uranium. "Seventy per cent of all Russian oil is bought by China and India," he added.
Will Europe join the sanctions?
Graham announced plans to visit Paris and Berlin to persuade European allies to lower the price cap on Russian oil. "If Europe does this, it will matter. It will hurt the Russian war machine," said the senator. He added that if Europe sanctions China, the US Senate will follow suit.
Democrat Senator Blumenthal emphasised that stopping the Russian offensive is important for national security. "It is important for our national security to stop Russia’s bloody, brutal offensive, because Putin will continue his actions. If he is not stopped in Ukraine, he will continue the fight against Poland, Sweden, Finland, so any plan to resolve this conflict must guarantee Ukraine’s security," stated Blumenthal.
"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 every day, and rejects all ceasefire proposals," stated Zelensky.
According to the president, "it is America's genuine involvement at all stages of negotiations that can guarantee a lasting peace."
