US senators unveil tough new penalties on Russian oil if Moscow pulls out of peace negotiations
50 U.S. senators from both parties proposed a bill imposing sanctions on Russia, including 500% tariffs on nations buying its oil, if it rejects Ukraine peace talks, according to a statement cited by Reuters and The Washington Times.
The legislation, led by Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, comes after President Donald Trump voiced frustration with Russia’s delays in ceasefire talks, threatening aggressive measures against Moscow.
The bill outlines primary and secondary sanctions targeting Russia and its supporters in the war against Ukraine, contingent on Moscow’s refusal to negotiate or comply with a future agreement.
“They are hard hitting for a reason,” the senators said in a joint statement reported by Reuters and The Washington Times.
A key measure is a 500% tariff on imports from nations purchasing Russian oil and products, aimed at choking its energy revenue.
The move follows Trump’s earlier warnings of “aggressive” sanctions, potentially targeting Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, as he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of stalling ceasefire efforts.
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