The White House could soon impose 'bone-crushing' sanctions on Russia and punitive tariffs on countries that buy their oil and gas if Moscow fail to seriously engage in peace talks with Ukraine. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, has claimed he has enough support for his bill that aims to force Vladimir Putin 's into talks with Kyiv.

The proposal - announced on the same day that Ukraine and the US signed a minerals deal - would see a 500 per cent tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas or uranium if Putin fails to come to the negotiating table. Trump has been keen to broker a permanent peace deal between Russia and Ukraine since taking office in January , even if it means Kyiv giving up territory.

'The goal is to help the president,' the South Carolina Senator said, adding that the measures were 'bone-crushing'. 'He talked about being frustrated. 'I want a negotiated end to the war, honorably and just. 'I think Trump's the best person to achieve that goal, but these sanctions represent the Senate's view that we see the primary bad guy being Russia.'

Putin, he said, 'would be making a huge mistake to try to play Trump, so this bill is a tool in President Trump's toolbox. 'When President Trump believes that we've reached an impasse, then watch for action. 'Most members of the Senate believe that Putin has been resistant to finding a negotiated solution to the war , and has been brazen and barbaric in his actions against Ukraine.

'By co-sponsoring this bill I think a senator is making a pretty clear statement that they see Russia as the greatest offender here.' Named the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, the sanctions would be introduced on Russia if Moscow refuses to negotiate a peace agreement, violates a peace agreement or invades Ukraine again in the future. Graham predicted that his bill will have at least 67 co-sponsors from the Senate by the end of the week - enough to override a potential Presidential veto if Trump is against the plan.

The list of current supporters is evenly divided between senators from both the Democrats and Republicans and notably includes Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Support has been boosted in recent weeks following Russian attacks on civilian populations in Ukraine, he suggested.

Graham's office said that the tariffs would likely have the largest impact on India, China and Iran. It could also affect some European partners who still buy Russian goods. Moscow accounted for 17 per cent of gas and 18 per cent of liquefied-natural-gas imports to the European Union in 2024.

The US-Ukraine deal signed today will provide Washington with privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas . It will also involve establishing a 'Reconstruction Investment Fund' for Ukraine, to spur Kyiv's economic recovery.

Trump has so far avoided introducing any punitive measures against Russia despite the continuing assault on Ukraine. After Russia killed 12 civilians in Kyiv last month, the US President called the attack 'not necessary' and 'very bad timing,' appealing directly to Putin with 'Vladimir, Stop!' - but did not outline any consequences.

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