BIPARTISAN SENATORS PRESS TRUMP TO ENFORCE NEW RUSSIA SANCTIONS
Two senior U.S. senators are urging the Trump administration to immediately prepare tougher economic measures against Russia, warning that every day without maximum pressure gives Moscow additional resources to continue its war against Ukraine.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Senator Roger Wicker sent the appeal to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their intervention is significant because it crosses party lines and focuses on implementing sanctions Congress has already authorized—not beginning another prolonged debate over whether action should be taken.
The senators identified Russia’s shadow fleet as the most urgent target. Moscow uses hundreds of aging or covertly operated tankers, often sailing under foreign flags and through layers of shell companies, to transport oil while evading Western restrictions. The European Union and United Kingdom have sanctioned more than 600 vessels, while the United States has designated far fewer. Shaheen and Wicker want Washington to close that gap and target the financial networks processing the fleet’s revenue.
They also called for restrictions on companies supplying Russia with advanced electronics, machine tools and other dual-use components used in ammunition, missiles and jet-powered attack drones. Many of those supply routes reportedly pass through intermediaries in China, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye.
Another concern is Russia’s developing Rassvet low-Earth-orbit satellite network. Ukraine has warned that a completed constellation could provide Russian forces with stronger battlefield communications and more immediate targeting information during winter attacks. The senators want companies supporting that system sanctioned before it becomes fully operational.
President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on September 18. Most of its provisions take effect on October 18, when the administration’s 30-day review period ends.
ere ongress has already provided the authority. The question now is whether the administration will use it aggressively enough to restrict Russia’s oil income, financial networks and access to the technology sustaining its war.