A participant wearing a mask depicting the Statue of Liberty attends a rally against U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in front of the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine March 8, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo
Pressure Mounts on Trump to Impose Sanctions as Russia Escalates Ukraine Assault
May 29, 2025 — Growing frustration among senior Republicans and White House advisers is prompting renewed calls for U.S. President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on Russia, as President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign in Ukraine intensifies.
Despite months of reluctance, based on Trump’s belief in possible negotiations with Putin and skepticism about sanctions’ effectiveness, aides say he is now seriously considering punitive measures following a recent spike in Russian attacks. White House officials confirmed that a package of sanctions targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors is ready for immediate implementation, pending Trump’s authorization.
Internal Debate Over Sanctions Intensifies
The Trump administration has long sought to avoid escalating tensions with Moscow, with Trump expressing hope for a future economic partnership with Russia and warning that sanctions could derail ongoing peace efforts. However, aides say Trump’s disappointment with Putin is growing, particularly after a recent two-hour call that Trump believed had secured a ceasefire agreement — only for Russia to launch fresh missile and drone strikes against Ukraine.
“He is always looking at different ways to apply pressure,” a senior White House official said. “This is no different.”
Congressional Sanctions Effort Gains Bipartisan Momentum
Several lawmakers, including Republican Senators Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley, are pressing for action. A bipartisan bill introduced by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal would impose a 500% tariff on goods from countries that purchase Russian oil, aiming to exert pressure on Moscow via secondary sanctions. This approach, which targets third-party nations conducting business with Russia, is supported by some in the administration who believe it would expand the impact of U.S. measures.
According to sources familiar with internal deliberations, the bill could allow Trump to deflect responsibility for sanctions, telling Putin the decision was legislative rather than executive — thus preserving diplomatic channels.
“I believe President Trump was sincere when he thought his friendship with Putin would end the war. Now that being the case, IT’S TIME FOR SANCTIONS STRONG ENUF SO PUTIN KNOWS ‘game over,’” Grassley wrote on social media.
White House Still Seeks Diplomatic Off-Ramp
Speaking from the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump reiterated his concern that sanctions could sabotage delicate negotiations. He acknowledged that he was waiting for Russia to submit a peace proposal and expected clarity on Putin’s intentions in the coming weeks.
“If I think I’m close to getting a deal, I don’t want to screw it up by doing that,” Trump said.
“We’re going to find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not, and if he is, we’ll respond a little bit differently.”
Trump has previously threatened sanctions but refrained from implementing them — including earlier this year and again ahead of his recent call with Putin. Officials confirm, however, that the current escalation may tip the balance in favor of stronger U.S. action.
International Developments and Legislative Coordination
While the Senate appears poised to advance sanctions legislation, support in the House of Representatives is less certain, especially among Republicans who have shown reduced enthusiasm for Ukraine-related measures. Nevertheless, bipartisan cooperation on the issue is emerging as frustration with Russia grows.
Meanwhile, the European Union has continued expanding its sanctions, most recently targeting over 130 entities and individuals, including the major Russian oil firm Surgutneftegaz. U.S. officials have reportedly expressed no objections to the new EU measures.
Outlook: Sanctions Decision Nears
Trump’s long-standing reluctance to sanction Russia may be giving way to increased domestic and international pressure. Whether he follows through will likely hinge on developments in the coming weeks, particularly any movement from Moscow on ceasefire terms. As the war enters its third year, the U.S. faces mounting expectations to take decisive action—either through direct executive measures or by endorsing congressional sanctions efforts.
COMMENTS