Senate, Trump Weigh Harsh New Sanctions on Russia

The U.S. has finalized a new round of economic sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, natural resources, and banking sectors, with state-owned Gazprom highlighted as a major focus. Senate Republicans, led by Lindsey Graham, have introduced a bipartisan bill with over 72 co-sponsors to impose severe sanctions on Russia and impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium, contingent on Russia’s willingness to negotiate peace. President Donald Trump, whose stance toward Moscow has hardened after recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, has yet to decide whether to approve these measures as ceasefire negotiations continue. The Senate's push aims to support Trump’s diplomatic efforts while reinforcing the U.S. view of Russia as the main aggressor. A new U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement has also been signed, signaling a shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations and providing additional leverage. Despite existing Western sanctions, Russia has managed to limit their economic impact, prompting calls for even tougher actions if negotiations fail.