Graham says White House backs Russia sanctions bill

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced on Friday that an agreement has been reached with the White House on a Russia sanctions bill, which he believes could provide President Donald Trump with tools to help end the war in Ukraine. Graham, speaking in Kyiv after meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, emphasized that China holds significant influence and could play a decisive role in pressuring Russia toward peace talks.

The proposed legislation aims to cut off financing for Russia's military operations and punish countries that support its war efforts. Graham suggested that bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities alongside diplomatic pushes, potentially involving China, could compel Moscow to negotiate. He indicated that Trump's team now supports the bill, which has been in development for months. Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal plan to discuss advancing the package with Congressional leaders.

Fighting continues along the front lines in Ukraine, with Russia also conducting missile and drone strikes on cities far from the front. June was noted as one of the deadliest months of the war, according to the U.N. Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks inside Russia, targeting oil facilities and weapons production.