Key facts
- A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers urged President Donald Trump on Sept. 29 not to ease sanctions against Russia.
- The lawmakers stated that sanctions relief would embolden Russia and prolong the war.
- Congress recently passed legislation expanding U.S. sanctions authority against Russia.
- The legislation, signed by Trump on Sept. 19, authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil.
- Trump stated on Sept. 22 he would use tariff authorities if necessary to help end Russia's war against Ukraine.
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers on September 29 urged President Donald Trump not to ease sanctions against Russia, pushing back against reports that the administration is considering such a move in exchange for the release of political prisoners. Democratic Representatives Marcy Kaptur and Mike Quigley, alongside Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Joe Wilson, stated that sanctions relief would embolden Russia and prolong its war against Ukraine.
The lawmakers' appeal comes as Washington reportedly considers using sanctions relief as leverage to encourage Russia to end the conflict. The proposal, first reported by The Atlantic, would involve pressing Moscow to release political prisoners in return for easing sanctions and restoring some economic ties. This comes shortly after Congress passed legislation, signed by Trump on September 19, which significantly expands U.S. sanctions authority against Russia. This legislation, spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, authorizes the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil. Trump stated on September 22 that he would use these tariff authorities if necessary to help end the war.
The debate over sanctions relief occurs as Russia's economy faces mounting pressure from Western restrictions, with sanctions relief being a key objective for Moscow. Some U.S. officials view easing sanctions as a potential incentive for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. These efforts to end the war have stalled amid Russia's territorial demands and the U.S.-Iran war, with Moscow showing no indication of readiness for a ceasefire or concessions in negotiations.