U.S. Lawmakers Warn: Door to Talks Closing, Congress to Arm Trump with a “Sledgehammer” Against Russia

Graham: “Putin Miscalculated—It’s Time to Hit Back Hard”

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham told CBS News on July 13 that the conflict in Ukraine is approaching a decisive turning point. Alongside Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, Graham is leading a bipartisan group of 85 lawmakers backing a new sanctions bill aimed at tightening the economic noose on Russia.

The legislation proposes giving President Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on any country that assists Russia—especially those purchasing oil, gas, petroleum products, or uranium from Moscow. Crucially, the president would also be granted full discretion to adjust those tariffs as needed, giving him what Graham calls “maximum flexibility.”

“This is a sledgehammer for President Trump to end the war,” Graham emphasized. He accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of exploiting Trump’s patience: “For six months, Trump left the door open for peace, but Putin only escalated. One of his biggest mistakes was thinking he could manipulate Trump.”

From Diplomacy to Sanctions: Washington Gets Tough

Since taking office in January, Trump has promoted direct dialogue with Putin, including several long phone calls this year. However, recent remarks suggest growing frustration. In a July 10 interview with NBC, Trump confirmed that the U.S. had reached an agreement with NATO to supply weapons to Ukraine, with the alliance covering 100% of the cost. He also teased a “major announcement” regarding Russia, set for July 14.

The sanctions proposal, first introduced by Graham in April, targets nations still trading energy products with Russia. If passed, it could severely disrupt global energy flows and elevate tensions between the West and Moscow.

Moscow Responds: “We Know How to Work Under Pressure”

In response to the looming sanctions, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said, “Over 30,000 sanctions have already been imposed on Russia—we know how to operate under these conditions and will continue on a sovereign path.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added that Russia is awaiting Trump’s upcoming statement to clarify the true direction of U.S. policy.

As legislation advances and diplomacy stalls, the Russia-Ukraine war enters a phase of intensified geopolitical pressure. All eyes are now on Trump—will he wield the economic “sledgehammer”?