US senators propose new sanctions on Russia for refusing Ukraine ceasefire / The New Voice of Ukraine

Fifty U.S. senators—led by Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)—introduced a bill that would impose both primary and secondary sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate a lasting peace in Ukraine or violates any peace agreement.

In a statement issued on April 2, Blumenthal and Graham said the bill provides for a 500% tariff on imports from any country that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium, or similar commodities.

Senators said the bill has received strong bipartisan support.

“The dominating view in the United States Senate is that Russia is the aggressor, and that this horrific war and Putin’s aggression must end now and be deterred in the future,” the message reads.

“In 1994, as part of the Budapest Memorandum Ukraine gave up approximately 1,700 nuclear weapons with a promise from the U.S., Russia and United Kingdom that Ukraine’s sovereignty would be honored in the future. This failed to deter Russian aggression.”

“It is our hope that in 2025, President Trump and his team will achieve what has eluded the world in the past: ending Russian aggression against Ukraine permanently and ensuring the survivability of a free and democratic Ukraine.

Earlier, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that Washington was developing sanctions against Russia in case it refuses to agree to a ceasefire or breaks one.