Turning point in the war: US prepares “sanctions hammer” against Putin’s allies and freezes Russian assets
Фото: Reuters
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is approaching a critical point: for six months, US President Donald Trump has left the door open for talks with Vladimir Putin, but to no avail. Now the US is preparing a “sanctions hammer” – a package of tough economic measures that should cut off the financing of the war and force the Kremlin’s allies to make a choice: support Russia or access to the American economy.
This is reported by CBS News .
Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat) announced the rapid adoption of a unique package of sanctions against Russia and its allies.
“President Trump has been trying to engage Putin in peace talks for months. He’s been leaving the door open. But that door is about to close,” said Senator Graham.
The package, which has already been supported by 85 senators, envisages the possibility of imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries that support the Russian economy, including China, India and Brazil. These countries actively buy Russian oil and goods, providing financing for the war.
Sanctions will give President Trump maximum authority — from zero to a stiff tariff — and the ability to quickly punish those who support Putin’s war machine.
More than $300 billion in Russian assets abroad could become a source of funding for Ukraine’s defense. The United States already has a plan to use $5 billion, and European leaders are developing a mechanism to transfer both the principal and interest on these assets to Ukraine.
“Putin is a bandit. Only force can stop him. And that moment has come,” Blumenthal said.
US intelligence predicts significant territorial losses for Ukraine in 2026 if additional supplies of artillery and drones are not provided. Graham hinted that a historic amount of military aid is expected in the coming days.
“The game is changing. We are seeing a turning point. The next few days will be crucial,” he said.
Graham said that Putin underestimated the West’s resilience and tried to “play” Trump. But in return he will receive the harshest response.
“China, India, and Brazil — you are in for major economic losses if you don’t stop supporting Putin,” the senator added.
At the same time, Blumenthal warned about the dangers of Russia’s military cooperation with North Korea and Iran. The supply of missile technology to Pyongyang is already a reality that increases the nuclear threat.
By the way, the Ukrainian authorities are skeptical about the “important statement” promised by US President Donald Trump regarding Russia , which is due to be made on July 14. Kyiv does not believe that Washington’s new position will change the course of the war – on the contrary, they expect softer rhetoric towards the Kremlin, despite the increasing intensity of Russian attacks.
Recall that US President Donald Trump plans to send military aid to Ukraine for the first time since his return to the White House . This decision will be implemented through the so-called presidential powers to reduce arms stocks, which were previously actively used by Joe Biden. The preliminary cost of the package may reach about $ 300 million.
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