Sanctions on Russia are getting closer. There is agreement in the US Congress

Ashley Davis13 hours ago

0 29 2 minutes read

On Wednesday, the lower house of the US Congress voted on the so-called discharge petition, i.e. a special motion allowing the Ukraine Support Act project to be submitted to the final vote without the participation of the Chamber's management. 218 deputies supported the solution, while 204 congressmen expressed their opposition. The final vote on the bill itself is scheduled for Thursday.

The project assumes a broad support package for Ukraine and a significant tightening of sanctions policy towards the Russian Federation. The document obliges the president to introduce restrictions on Russian banks, all energy and mining companies, the Rosatom concern, as well as entities supporting arms transfers from North Korea. The authors of the project also envisage disconnecting sanctioned financial institutions from the SWIFT system.

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Restrictions on the Russian energy sector

In terms of customs duties, the project assumes that they will be increased to at least 500%. for goods coming from Russia. The act also introduces 100 percent tribute on income generated by frozen assets of Russia and Belarus. Additionally, American importers would be prohibited from importing products from refineries processing Russian crude oil.

In the area of arms aid, the document extends the operation of the Lend-Lease mechanism until fiscal year 2028. It also authorizes loans worth up to USD 8 billion. as part of the Foreign Military Financing program, the funds from which will be used by Ukraine and NATO allies to purchase military equipment. The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative program will be extended until the end of 2027 with a budget of $300 million, and the Baltic states are to receive $30 million each. annual additional military financing.

A breakthrough in Congress

Wednesday's decision marks the first significant progress on sanctions after more than a year of efforts by lawmakers. So far, attempts by supporters of aid to Ukraine have encountered effective resistance from the leadership of the Republican Party in Congress, which was driven by lack of acceptance from the White House. Although the success of Thursday's vote in the House seems certain, the further course of the matter remains uncertain.

The fate of the project will largely be decided by Republican leader John Thune, who has so far suspended Senate sanctions initiatives based on the position of President Donald Trump. Republican senator Rick Scott told the Polish Press Agency that he hopes the bill will be adopted by the upper house.

— I think we should do everything in our power to stop what Putin is doing in Ukraine. People like Putin will keep going if they don't meet resistance, so it won't end in Ukraine – unless we decide to stop him, the politician said.

A competing project by Graham and Blumenthal

The situation may be further complicated by a parallel sanctions proposal prepared by Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal. Their project differs in its key assumption – it gives the head of state the opportunity, not an order, to introduce tariffs of up to 500%. for products from countries purchasing Russian oil. On Wednesday, Graham told the Senate that he was “very close” to the proposal passing through the upper house.

The concept contained in the proposal of both senators was supported on Wednesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

— I support making these tools available to the president, especially if we strive to reach an agreement through negotiations. The more pressure tools we have at our disposal, the greater the chance of breaking this deadlock, he said.

Ashley Davis13 hours ago

0 29 2 minutes read