Delay, Disarray, or Diplomacy?” Tillis and Congress Demand Action on Russian Sanctions

In a dramatic U-turn in the U.S.-Russia relationship, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis openly rebuked President Donald Trump for giving Vladimir Putin a 50-day grace period to end the war in Ukraine before new U.S. sanctions. Tillis is concerned the delay will embolden Moscow at a weak moment for Ukraine.

 

Key Highlights

Tillis' Warning: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called the 50-day delay to trigger sanctions on Russia "concerning" because it gives the Kremlin time to keep making its military advance without the immediate economic deterrent.

 

Trump's Ultimatum: President Trump's new policy sets Moscow a 50-day deadline to arrange a peace deal in Ukraine, or the U.S. will impose strict new sanctions and offer "very sophisticated military" aid to Kyiv. The strategy includes threats of 100% tariffs and secondary sanctions on nations that do business with Russia.

 

Bipartisan Congressional Action: Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have moved quickly on a sanctions bill, with more than 85 bipartisan cosponsors, to pressure the White House to act more strongly and urgently. Legislation tabled would enable the imposition of tariffs of up to 500% on Russian buyers of oil, gas, and uranium.

 

European Concerns and Ukrainian Reaction: European leaders and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy have embraced additional U.S. arms but are against the pace. They see the window as enabling Russia to ramp up the assault prior to sanctions being implemented.

 

Putin's Calculated Response: Moscow has been publicly derisive of the deadline, with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov calling America's shifting threats "theatrical" and forecasting that Russia will weather any new sanctions.

 

"Holding sanctions in abeyance can provide some latitude to Russia. Congress must act expeditiously to assist Ukraine and put Putin on notice," Tillis stated.

 

Source: Moomoo News, Yahoo News, Times of India, Yahoo News, Economic Times