Senators Graham, Blumenthal: Putin Using Peace Talks to Stall/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ After talks with Zelenskyy and Macron, U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is stalling at peace talks while preparing for a new offensive. The senators urge urgent support for sweeping sanctions to cripple Russia’s economy. They also seek to sway Donald Trump’s uncertain stance on Ukraine policy.
Putin War Plans Warning – Quick Looks
- Senators Graham and Blumenthal visit Ukraine and France for war assessments
- Say Putin stalling peace talks, preparing new offensive in Ukraine
- Cite worst bombardments since full invasion during Kyiv tour
- Sanctions bill proposes 500% tariffs on nations buying Russian energy
- Targets China and India, who buy ~70% of Russia’s energy exports
- Trump has not endorsed the bill, remains noncommittal
- Peace talks resume in Istanbul, but senators call Russia’s posture “a ploy”
- Senators warn U.S. delay now could mean conflict later
- Point to mass graves, deported children, and growing atrocities
- Macron now ‘100% aligned’ with U.S. position, senators say
Deep Look: After Zelenskyy and Macron Meetings, U.S. Senators Warn Putin Plans New War Offensive
PARIS (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin is using peace talks as a cover while actively preparing a new military assault on Ukraine, warned U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal following meetings in Kyiv and Paris.
The bipartisan pair spoke to the Associated Press on Sunday after a tour of bomb-ravaged Ukrainian neighborhoods and a one-hour meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, whom they said is now “100% aligned” with their hardline stance against Moscow.
“What I learned on this trip was he’s preparing for more war,” said Senator Graham (R-SC).
“It is crunch time for Putin and for the world,” added Senator Blumenthal (D-CT).
Senators Call for Urgent Sanctions Before It’s Too Late
At the core of their message is a sweeping bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at crippling Russia’s wartime economy. The legislation—supported by over 80 U.S. senators—would:
- Impose 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other resources
- Target China and India, which account for nearly 70% of Russia’s energy exports
- Sever Russia’s ability to finance future offensives
Blumenthal called the sanctions “bone-crushing,” aimed at placing Russia on a “trade island”. Graham described the package as “the most draconian bill” he’s seen in his Senate career.
“The world has a lot of cards to play against Putin,” Graham said. “We’re going to hit China and India for propping up his war machine.”
Trump’s Uncertain Stance Undermines Sanctions Push
While nearly the entire U.S. Senate backs the sanctions package, Donald Trump’s position remains unclear. Asked Friday about the bill, Trump responded, “I don’t know. I’ll have to see it.”
Graham noted the legislation was drafted with input from Trump’s advisers and remains hopeful that the former president can be persuaded.
“By trying to engage Putin — by being friendly and enticing — it’s become painfully clear he’s not interested in ending this war,” Graham added.
Blumenthal went further, accusing Putin of manipulating Trump.
“Putin is playing President Trump. He’s taking him for a sucker.”
Peace Talks Seen as Strategic Delay
Peace talks are scheduled to resume Monday in Istanbul, but Ukrainian officials say Russia has failed to submit a serious proposal. The senators fear this is a calculated move to buy time for military escalation.
“He’s stalling and stonewalling,” said Blumenthal. “He wants to gain territory while dragging out talks.”
Graham warned of intelligence suggesting a new offensive by summer or early fall, saying, “He’s preparing for more war.”
Senators Visit Kyiv, Witness War’s Human Toll
In Kyiv, the senators toured areas struck by Russia’s most intense bombardments since the war began in 2022. They cited grim scenes including:
- Mass graves in Bucha
- Civilians executed with shots to the head
- Testimonies from survivors and forcibly deported children
Blumenthal emphasized that 20,000 children are believed to have been taken to Russia, calling their return a matter of justice, not negotiation.
“Putin is a thug. He’s a murderer,” Blumenthal said.
Delays Could Drag U.S. Deeper Into Conflict
Both senators warned that inaction now could force a greater U.S. commitment later. If NATO obligations are triggered, the U.S. could eventually be drawn into a larger European war.
“Failing to act now could mean American troops later,” said Blumenthal.
Macron Aligns With U.S. Push
After their meeting with President Macron, both senators expressed confidence in Europe’s commitment to tougher measures.
“This visit has been a breakthrough moment,” said Blumenthal.
“President Macron showed moral clarity. He’s now 100% aligned.”
The senators also highlighted the rare bipartisan unity behind the sanctions bill—41 Republicans and 41 Democrats supporting one of the most aggressive economic measures in U.S. history.
What’s Next
As the situation unfolds:
- Peace talks begin Monday in Istanbul
- Ukrainian military leaders will brief U.S. Congress
- A sanctions vote could follow soon after
- Trump is expected to clarify his position in the next two weeks
“President Trump said we’ll know in two weeks whether he’s being strung along. There will be more evidence from Russia on Monday.”
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