US senators seek answers from Trump administration over Russia sanctions

14:00

By: Azzat Manal

US senators seek answers from Trump administration over Russia sanctions

Two Democratic U.S. senators, Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons, are pressing the Trump administration for explanations over the lack of new sanctions against Russia, according to Reuters.

The lawmakers reportedly sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, questioning why the administration has not resumed broader sanctions measures that could be used as leverage in efforts to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Warren and Coons are seeking a response by August 28 and want clarification on the administration’s strategy toward Moscow, particularly after what they describe as a prolonged pause in the introduction of new sanctions.

The issue comes as the U.S. Senate has backed legislation proposing significantly higher tariffs on countries purchasing Russian energy. The measure would impose a 100% tariff on the five largest buyers of Russian energy and a 500% tariff on Russian imports into the United States.

The proposal has been sent to the House of Representatives, although lawmakers are not expected to begin considering it until September. If approved by Congress, the legislation would then go to President Donald Trump for his signature.

The Trump administration has said its policy decisions will continue to focus on U.S. national security and efforts to promote a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.

Russia, meanwhile, has repeatedly criticized Western sanctions and argued that the measures have failed to achieve their intended objectives. Moscow has also maintained that it is prepared to withstand continued economic pressure.

The latest debate highlights divisions in Washington over how aggressively the United States should use economic sanctions against Russia while diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine conflict continue.