Putin's Game Will Soon End, Says U.S. Senator

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated in a press conference following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that a bill to tighten sanctions against Russia for its refusal to agree to a ceasefire could be discussed in the U.S. Congress as early as next week.

He noted that there are Congressional members who are ready to move forward with this legislation. Graham recalled U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks that the coming two weeks would be crucial. According to the senator, he sees no signs of peace intentions from Russia at the meeting scheduled to take place in Istanbul.

“When these two weeks pass, it will be clear to everyone that Russia is playing games at the expense of the world, not just the United States; we will change the rules of the game for Russia,” the Republican senator said, adding that “Putin's game will soon be over.”

The senator indicated that the new sanctions would be a significant blow to Russia and would also alter the situation for China, which is procuring Russian energy resources. Among the proposed new sanctions is a 500% tariff on goods from countries that continue to import energy resources from Russia.

In turn, Senator Richard Blumenthal also confirmed the American legislators’ plan regarding the 500% tariffs. He indicated that the U.S. Senate's response would be clear and unambiguous. “500% tariffs on all who buy Russian oil, gasoline, or petrochemical products,” the lawmaker stated.

The senator expressed admiration for European allies who have urged the U.S. to tighten sanctions against Russia. He also called on Washington to provide more Patriot air defense systems, artillery, and aircraft to Ukraine, stressing that concrete actions are necessary, not just rhetoric.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Graham and Blumenthal for advancing the bill on new sanctions against Russia, noting that the document is already supported by 82 senators.