US Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested imposing new sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not enter into ceasefire talks on the Ukraine conflict in the near future. The US has already imposed extensive sanctions on Russia, targeting financial institutions, trade and energy exports, since the conflict escalated in 2022.
In an interview with Fox News, Graham proposed that Washington should impose more sanctions on Moscow. He stated, “If they don’t get on the table for ceasefire and peace talks with the government, we should sanction the hell out of them and I’ll introduce a bill next week to that effect.”
Graham has been a long-time supporter of extensive military and financial aid for Ukraine and has publicly described the conflict as a proxy war of the US against Russia. He has also criticized the recent pause in the transfer of intelligence information and weapons to Ukraine, arguing that a cessation of US aid would have severe consequences. “If we pull the plug in Ukraine, it would be worse than in Afghanistan” he said.
Graham also reiterated his criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stating that he “messed up” during his recent meeting with Trump at the White House. Trump had accused Zelensky of playing with the Third World War by refusing to negotiate with Russia.
Following the heated exchange with Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance, Zelensky was asked to leave the White House and return only when he is prepared for serious peace talks. Trump has since paused the military aid to Ukraine and suspended the exchange of intelligence information with Kiev. However, he stated that the pause is “almost over.”
Last week, Trump threatened Moscow with a new round of “large-scale” sanctions until a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine. Reuters reported that Washington is also exploring the possibility of relaxing some restrictions on the Russian energy sector as part of a broader peace initiative.
The Kremlin views the Western sanctions as unlawful and emphasizes that they are unable to change the strategic decisions of the Eurasian state. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that Moscow is open to negotiations, but insists that any solution must guarantee the long-term security of Russia. “We want nothing that belongs to others, but we will not give up what belongs to us” Putin said in a recent statement.