Sen. Lindsey Graham: New Sanctions Bill Puts a “Sledgehammer” in Trump’s Hand as Ukraine Hits a “Turning Point”
July 13, 2025 – Washington, D.C. In an interview on Face the Nation Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R‑SC) unveiled details of a sweeping bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at Russia and its international financial backers, declaring the legislation would provide former President Donald Trump a “sledgehammer” to break Putin’s war machine—and mark a strategic “turning point” in the conflict in Ukraine.
A Sharpened Tool for Trump
Co-sponsored with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, the bill — officially the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S. 1241) — empowers the President to levy up to 500% tariffs on imports from nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other strategic commodities, Graham said the measure arms Trump with “maximum flexibility,” giving him a “sledgehammer” to go after “Putin’s economy and all those countries who prop up the Putin war machine”.
The Coalition Speaks
The hearing took place during a high-level session of allies in Rome, where Graham and Blumenthal sought support from European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Consensus, they reported, was strong: “European leaders are absolutely in solidarity” with the initiative. Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s unifying effect, noting it sends a clear message: “We’re going to hit you right where it hurts”.
Waiver Authority Under Debate
A major sticking point is waiver authority. While the draft allows the president to waive sanctions temporarily (for 180 days, extendable), Congress would reserve the right to override the waiver—which requires a 60-vote supermajority. The White House has pressed for full executive discretion, but congressional leaders emphasize the importance of legislative oversigh.
Graham forecasts Senate action before the August recess, with House passage following suit. He suggests President Trump is receptive—recently expressing growing impatience with Russian aggression, including drone strikes in Ukraine. Trump is also reportedly preparing a “major statement” on Russia next week, possibly unveiling new weaponry for Ukraine and his support for the sanctions bill.
A Strategic Inflection Point
Graham told CBS, “A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” adding that “weapons [will be] flowing at a record level to help Ukraine defend themselves”. The bill, he argues, is not merely stronger—it is transformative. By targeting secondary markets that enable Russia’s financial resilience, the goal is to force Putin to either stop or negotiate.
Risks & Global Implications
While hailed as a “game‑changer,” experts warn of unintended economic fallout. A 500% tariff could disrupt energy markets globally, driving up prices and potentially hurting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. Senate leadership, including Majority Leader Thune and Speaker Johnson, is working with the White House to calibrate the waiver terms and timelines.
