Following Russia’s most extensive drone attack on Ukraine, which killed at least 13 people and involved 355 drones and nine cruise missiles, Republican lawmakers are urging President Trump to impose crippling sanctions on Moscow.
Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized the need for harsh financial penalties, implicating China’s support as crucial to Putin’s military capabilities. Despite calling Putin “absolutely crazy,” Trump has yet to announce new sanctions, prompting criticism from within his party.
Representatives Don Bacon, Chuck Grassley, and Brian Fitzpatrick pushed for immediate U.S. action, including arming Ukraine and enacting severe economic measures against Russia and its allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for global sanctions to pressure Moscow into serious peace negotiations.
Although 81 senators support a bipartisan bill proposing sanctions and steep tariffs on nations trading with Russia, Trump has so far withheld participation in broader international sanctions, citing ongoing mediating efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended this strategy to maintain diplomatic leverage.
The proposed legislation aims to economically isolate Russia and underscore the U.S. Senate’s readiness to act if diplomatic stalling continues.
