Blumenthal and Graham’s proposed law would slap massive taxes from nations that buy Russian oil or uranium, especially focused on China and India that buy 70% of Russian energy. “This sanction hammer will force Putin’s donors to choose,” Blumenthal said in a video from Rome with the Basilica of St. Peter behind him.
The bill has more than 80 Senate supporters from both parties and includes surrender for President Trump to liberate allies for 180 days. Critics warn that this could disrupt global trade, but supporters say it is necessary to starve Russian war funds.
Senator meets Zlenskyy in Rome because sanctions are gaining steam
US Senator Richard Blumenthal joined the President of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelkyyy at the Ukrainian conference in Rome and promised strong American support.
In addition to the Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, the Connecticut Democrats were pushing their new sanctioning law on Russia, a bill that proposed 500% of tariffs to countries buying Russian oil.
Zeletskyy thanked them and emphasized the urgent need for air defense against Russian drone attacks. The conference gathered a leader from 32 nations when Russia bombed Kyiv with missiles just hours earlier. When Blumenthal met leaders in Rome, critics were killed in the US. Some called 500% of the “Economic War” tariff that could increase gas prices around the world.
Others accused him of ignoring domestic problems such as health care and immigration.
On social media, the reaction was sharply divided: one user appreciated “possession of Russia responsible”, while the other cracked, “Fix America first!” Given that Trump still considers support, the fate of the law remains uncertain despite its bipartisan support.
The EU announces massive assistance as the recovery evolves
While Blumenthal focused on sanctions, the European Union introduced a package of EUR 2.3 billion ($ 2.5 billion) to restore Ukraine, including:
- 1.8 B in Loans for Hospital, Houses and Businesses
- 580 million euros in direct grants for energy and transport repairs
- New stock fund 500 million euros to attract private investors by 2026
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen called this “solidarity in action” and noted that Ukraine’s progress towards EU membership.
The conference also represented the “coalition of willing” meetings with American officials who first participated in the stronger Western unity.
(Tagstotranslate) Russian oil
