Graham: Trump Ready to Crush Russian Economy if Putin avoids talks with Zelenskyy/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Sen. Lindsey Graham says President Donald Trump is prepared to “crush” Russia’s economy with sweeping sanctions if Vladimir Putin refuses to negotiate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Congress is weighing a bipartisan bill with tariffs up to 500% on Russian energy trade. European leaders express cautious optimism but warn sanctions remain an option.
U.S.-Russia Sanctions Debate: Quick Looks
- Graham’s Statement: Trump could impose sanctions if Putin avoids peace talks.
- Bipartisan Bill: Supported by 85 senators, would target Russia’s energy trade.
- Trump’s Position: Has not endorsed the bill but signals pressure may mount.
- Congressional Dynamics: GOP lawmakers hesitant to move without Trump’s backing.
- European Input: Leaders left White House hopeful but warned progress is fragile.
- Ukraine’s View: Zelenskyy called talks with Trump “an important step.”
- Skepticism Persists: Democrats warn Putin may stall negotiations.
- Potential Impact: Tariffs up to 500% on China and India trade with Russia.
Deep Look: Graham Says Trump Ready to “Crush” Russian Economy if Putin Avoids Talks
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senator Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is prepared to unleash sweeping new sanctions on Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the coming weeks.
Speaking after a personal phone call with Trump, Graham described the president as increasingly willing to use economic force if diplomacy stalls.
A “Plan B” for Sanctions
For months, Graham has been pushing Trump to endorse a bipartisan sanctions package that would impose tariffs as high as 500% on nations buying Russian energy exports — including China and India, which together make up about 70% of Russia’s oil and gas trade.
The legislation has wide support, with 85 senators backing it, but Republican leaders have paused action until Trump signals approval. “The best way to do it is with him,” Graham told the Associated Press.
Still, he warned that if Putin resists talks, “President Trump will have to back up what he said he would do. And the best way is to have congressional blessing.”
Pressure Builds After White House Meetings
The comments came less than 24 hours after high-level White House meetings between Trump, Zelenskyy, and European leaders. While the talks ended on an upbeat note, no binding commitments from Putin emerged.
Trump told Graham that “if Putin doesn’t do his part, he’s going to have to crush his economy. Because you’ve got to mean what you say.”
Democrats remain skeptical. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Graham’s co-sponsor on the sanctions bill, warned Putin may be playing “rope-a-dope” — stalling for time while his military continues advances in Ukraine. “The only way to bring Putin to the table is to show strength,” Blumenthal said.
Congress Faces a Crucial September
The Senate is currently on its August recess, but lawmakers will return in September. That session could prove pivotal: either Trump formally endorses the sanctions or Congress risks confronting him. So far, Republicans have shown little appetite to cross the president during his second term.
Work on the sanctions bill was abruptly halted after Trump suggested last month that legislation “may not be necessary.”
Europe’s Mixed Signals
European leaders struck a hopeful tone after Monday’s talks at the White House.
- Zelenskyy called the meeting “an important step toward ending this war.”
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his expectations were “exceeded.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron noted Trump believes a deal is possible but emphasized sanctions remain on the table if Putin refuses to move forward.
Despite the optimism, no breakthrough emerged on the war’s central disputes, leaving the situation unresolved. Analysts note that the lack of progress could benefit Putin, whose forces continue incremental gains in Ukraine.
The Stakes Ahead
If Trump follows through, the sanctions bill could reshape Russia’s economy by punishing nations that prop up its trade. But if talks advance, Washington may instead pivot to diplomacy.
For Graham, the message is clear: “There will come a point where if it’s clear Putin is not going to entertain peace, Trump will have to act.”
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