Bipartisan Senate Proposal Seeks Sanctions on Russia Amid Stalled Peace Negotiations

In a rare show of bipartisan unity, half of the U.S. Senate—comprising 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats—has introduced a sanctions package targeting Russia should it fail to engage in good-faith negotiations with Ukraine and honor an eventual peace agreement.

The legislation, spearheaded by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, includes sweeping measures such as tariffs on nations that continue purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities. “These sanctions are intentionally stringent,” the senators stated. “Russia must be held accountable for its aggression, and this war must end.”

Parallel legislation is set to be introduced in the House of Representatives with bipartisan backing. Supporters are confident the measure will pass with overwhelming approval if congressional leadership permits a vote, though a timeline for this remains unclear.

Heightened Pressure on Russia

The proposed sanctions come as both legislators and the Trump administration acknowledge the need for increased pressure on the Kremlin, akin to measures imposed on Kyiv. White House National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt emphasized the administration’s stance: “President Trump has made it clear that secondary sanctions on all Russian oil exports are on the table if Moscow refuses to engage seriously in peace negotiations.”

According to Reuters, U.S. officials within the White House and State Department believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively resisting peace efforts. Internal discussions are ongoing regarding strategies to push Moscow toward a settlement. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has publicly dismissed U.S.-led ceasefire proposals, stating they are currently unacceptable.

European leaders have also voiced frustration over Russia’s stance. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Moscow of “playing games rather than pursuing genuine peace.”

Calls for Stronger Action

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking alongside German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, urged Washington to strengthen sanctions following reported Russian violations of a ceasefire affecting energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy asserted that U.S. intelligence had confirmed these breaches, though Russia has countered with claims that Ukraine has also targeted key infrastructure—allegations Kyiv denies.

On Friday, Ukraine will engage in high-level discussions with select foreign partners regarding the formation of a multinational security force. Zelenskyy stated that this coalition would include land, air, and naval components. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed upcoming meetings between British, French, and Ukrainian military officials to advance security efforts. The UK and France are spearheading a coalition initiative to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

Geopolitical Developments and Legal Measures

Russia’s territorial advances in Ukraine have significantly slowed over the past four months, according to an analysis by Agence France-Presse and the Institute for the Study of War.

In the UK, new legal measures will require individuals collaborating with Russian authorities to register under the country’s Foreign Influence Register by July 1 or face potential imprisonment of up to five years. Home Office Minister Dan Jarvis clarified that this applies to engagements with Russian government agencies, intelligence services, and Moscow’s parliament, as well as political entities such as the Kremlin-aligned United Russia party.

Meanwhile, Polish authorities have charged a Russian-born Ukrainian national with espionage for allegedly gathering intelligence on military installations for Russian security services. If convicted, the individual could face a sentence ranging from five to 30 years in prison. Since the onset of Russia’s invasion, Polish authorities have detained 44 individuals—spanning Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian, and Polish nationalities—on suspicion of espionage or sabotage.

Economic Impact of Sanctions

Switzerland announced that the value of Russian assets frozen under international sanctions has surged by nearly $2 billion over the past year, now exceeding $8 billion. The Swiss government has also identified 14 real estate holdings linked to sanctioned Russian individuals, entities, and businesses. Additionally, luxury assets—including high-end automobiles, private aircraft, artworks, and furniture—have been seized.

Although Switzerland traditionally maintains a neutral stance in global conflicts, it aligned itself with EU sanctions against Russia just four days after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.