Graham called for increased pressure on Russia as early as this summer
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Ukraine has managed to achieve more than was expected of it at the start of the full-scale war. In his view, now is the time to apply more decisive pressure on Russia to force Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.
The politician believes that new sanctions against Moscow and countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources could play a key role in this.
Lindsey Graham, a Republican U.S. senator from South Carolina, said that Ukraine has achieved results that have exceeded the expectations of many allies. According to him, this is precisely why Kyiv deserves even greater support from its partners. “Ukraine has exceeded all expectations in liberating its country from the Russian invasion and deserves continued, strengthened support,” Graham emphasized.
The senator also mentioned a bill he drafted together with Senator Richard Blumenthal. The bill calls for new sanctions against Russia and additional economic leverage.
According to Graham, the bill has bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress. It would allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on countries that continue to purchase cheap Russian oil and natural gas. “My bill on sanctions against Russia can yield real results. It will allow President Trump to impose tariffs on major countries that purchase cheap Russian oil and natural gas to support Putin’s military machine,” the senator noted.
Graham is convinced that this summer presents an opportunity to significantly increase pressure on the Kremlin. “This summer is the best time to do everything possible to force Putin to the negotiating table,” he said.
At the same time, the prospects for a swift start to the peace process remain uncertain. Earlier, the Financial Times, citing Ukrainian officials, reported that during talks with the U.S., the Russian side made it clear that Moscow continues to insist on maximalist demands toward Ukraine. According to the publication’s sources, due to the Kremlin’s stance, trilateral talks involving the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia are unlikely to resume by the end of the summer.
One Ukrainian official also suggested that Russia may not be ready for constructive negotiations until at least early 2027 if it continues to adhere to its current course and the Kremlin’s demands. He wrote about this on his page on the social media platform X.
Ukraine and Germany are working on a new defense agreement regarding drones. In addition, the countries are discussing the creation of a joint European anti-ballistic missile system, which is intended to strengthen protection against missile attacks.
