These sanctions would be imposed on Moscow, along with a 500% tariff on imported goods from countries that purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products, if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Kyiv, or if Russia initiates another effort, including a military invasion, that would undermine Ukraine's sovereignty after peace has been negotiated.
“While we yearn for peace, it is increasingly clear to us – and a supermajority of the Senate – that Putin is playing games. The United States Senate stands ready to act if these games continue,” the statement said.
“We are beyond pleased that we now have 81 cosponsors for legislation to sanction Russia for its barbaric invasion of Ukraine. Our legislation will isolate Russia – putting it on a trade island by imposing stiff tariffs on other countries that support these atrocities. One of the main priorities of our legislation is to hold China accountable for propping up Putin’s war machine by buying cheap Russian oil from the shadow fleet. Without China’s economic support, Putin’s war machine would come to a grinding halt.”
The legislation aimed at escalating sanctions on Russia was presented by a bipartisan group of senators on April 1.