Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal announced Sunday a bipartisan sanctions package that would grant President Donald Trump sweeping powers, described as a “diplomatic sledgehammer,” to force Russia to end its war against Ukraine.
Speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Graham emphasized the urgency, noting Trump’s months-long efforts to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace have been rebuffed. “A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” Graham said. “Dick and I have got 85 co-sponsors in the Senate for congressional sanctions, a sledgehammer available to President Trump to go after Putin’s economy.”
The senators detailed a sanctions package granting Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries aiding Russia, specifically naming China, India, and Brazil as key enablers of Putin’s war machine. “This is truly a sledgehammer available to President Trump to end this war,” Graham reiterated.
Blumenthal stressed bipartisan and transatlantic unity behind the sanctions. “European allies are absolutely in solidarity,” Blumenthal said, citing recent discussions with NATO leaders who demanded rigorous sanctions. The senator also addressed concerns among some Democrats, assuring them the legislation includes a presidential waiver similar to past measures, balancing flexibility and congressional oversight.
The legislation also proposes tapping Russian assets frozen abroad, roughly $300 billion in Europe and $5 billion in the U.S., to support Ukraine’s defense efforts. Blumenthal highlighted Europe’s willingness to use portions of these assets to sustain Ukrainian forces, asserting, “It’s time to do it.”
Both senators signaled additional moves to bolster Ukraine militarily. Graham hinted at forthcoming announcements, suggesting Trump plans a significant increase in weapons deliveries to Ukraine and arms sales to European allies. “The idea of America selling weapons to help Ukraine is very much in play,” Graham said. “Putin has calculated we would tire, but he made a huge mistake.”
Amid rising battlefield challenges, including North Korea’s troop deployments to Ukraine, Blumenthal argued that strength and unity among allies remain vital. “Putin is a thug. He understands only force,” Blumenthal said, emphasizing that confronting Russia and its partners — like North Korea and Iran — is imperative to U.S. national security.
Asked about the administration’s previous cautious approach, Graham signaled a shift. “For six months, President Trump tried to entice Putin to the table,” Graham said. “Putin made a miscalculation here…There’s going to be a massive effort to get Putin to the table.”
Both senators underscored the historic nature of the sanctions, predicting swift Senate approval. Graham issued a pointed warning to countries aiding Russia: “China, India, and Brazil — you’re about to get hurt big time if you keep helping Putin.”
“We need to, really, express the strength of the United States, because only strength can get Putin to the table,” Blumenthal said.
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