The president’s supporters are warring over two dueling campaign promises: to steer clear of foreign wars and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The president’s supporters are warring over two dueling campaign promises: to steer clear of foreign wars and to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. A confrontation between the two men over Israel and Iran embodies the rupture on the right over whether the United States should get involved.
A bipartisan pair in the House and a Democrat in the Senate have moved to force votes in the coming days on requiring congressional approval before U.S. troops could take offensive action against Iran.
A bipartisan pair in the House and a Democrat in the Senate have moved to force votes in the coming days on requiring congressional approval before U.S. troops could take offensive action against Iran.
The House introduced a resolution on Tuesday that would require congressional approval before U.S. troops could engage in offensive attacks against Iran.
Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.
Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.
The US Capitol on Friday morning. Many members of Congress were quick to cheer Israel’s actions and framed them as a justified response to Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.
Republicans and some Democrats offered strong support for Israel’s move, but many Democrats called for de-escalation and warned of the consequences of a broader war.
The US Capitol on Friday morning. Many members of Congress were quick to cheer Israel’s actions and framed them as a justified response to Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
The White House is urging Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to soften his sanctions bill against Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 6, citing congressional staffers. The bipartisan sanctions bill, introduced on April 1 by Graham and Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials.In recent weeks, Trump administration officials have contacted Graham's office with requests to wate
The White House is urging Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to soften his sanctions bill against Russia, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on June 6, citing congressional staffers.
The bipartisan sanctions bill, introduced on April 1 by Graham and Senate Democrat Richard Blumenthal, seeks to impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and raw materials.
In recent weeks, Trump administration officials have contacted Graham's office with requests to water down the legislation, congressional aides told the WSJ.
The White House reportedly asked Graham to insert waivers into the bill allowing Trump to choose which entities get sanctioned and changing the word "shall" to "may." Removing the mandatory language from the text would essentially defang the bill, staffers said.
Blumenthal confirmed that negotiations with Trump officials were taking place behind the scene but did not comment on the substance of the talks.
"We're moving ahead and the White House is included in our conversations," he told the WSJ.
Earlier, Republican Senator Roger Wicker on June 4 said that Trump had asked the Senate to postpone voting on the bill, which had been scheduled to come to the floor this week.
In a joint press conference alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on June 5, Trump said lawmakers were waiting for his approval before advancing the sanctions bill.
"They'll be guided by me. That's how it's supposed to be," Trump said. "They're waiting for me to decide on what to do."
In the same briefing, Trump said that he had a deadline in mind for when he would enforce new sanctions on Russia but did not give specifics, saying only that sanctions would be imposed when it became clear that peace talks were not moving forward. He also said that sanctions could apply to both Russia and Ukraine.
"It takes two to tango," he said.
During the June 5 press conference, Trump compared Ukraine and Russia — which launched an unprovoked full-scale invasion against Ukraine in February 2022 and partially occupies four Ukrainian regions in addition to the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula — to children fighting on a playground.
"Sometimes you're better off letting them fight for a while and then pulling them apart," he said.
Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose sanctions on Russia if he does not see progress in peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
He has never followed through on any of these threats.
As the US Senators are pushing for a sweeping bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy exports, “the only thing standing in the way is President Donald Trump,” according to Fox News.
This comes as US President Trump has continued to press for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, despite their repeated failure to produce any tangible results, as Russia continues to escalate its ground and air attacks in Ukraine, demanding the country’s capitulation.
According to Fox News,
As the US Senators are pushing for a sweeping bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy exports, “the only thing standing in the way is President Donald Trump,” according to Fox News.
This comes as US President Trump has continued to press for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, despite their repeated failure to produce any tangible results, as Russia continues to escalate its ground and air attacks in Ukraine, demanding the country’s capitulation.
According to Fox News, nearly the entire US Senate has united behind a sanctions bill authored by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal that proposes imposing up to 500% tariffs on oil, gas, uranium, and other Russian energy exports. These measures are intended to put a financial chokehold on Russia’s war economy, particularly targeting its trade with China and India, which together account for about 75% of Moscow’s energy business.
Despite bipartisan backing from 82 senators, the legislation is stalled due to the White House’s reluctance to move forward. Republican John Kennedy, one of the co-sponsors, told Fox News Digital that “if President Trump asked me my opinion, I would tell them, ‘let’s go now.’”
Trump’s peace talks falter while sanctions hang in the balance as Putin “not interested in peace”
The latest round of Kyiv-Moscow low-level talks in Istanbul on 2 June ended without a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Putin’s demands, including ceding large swaths of Ukrainian territory.
Graham and Blumenthal, who traveled to Ukraine during the Senate’s Memorial Day recess and met with Zelenskyy, have both expressed skepticism over Putin’s intentions. After a separate meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Graham stated, according to Fox News,
“It is our view Putin is not responding in kind, he is not interested in peace and that he plans to continue to dismember Ukraine.”
Blumenthal added that Trump “has been played” by Putin and described the Russian president as “totally unserious” about ending the conflict.
Sanctions seen as tool to support diplomacy
Despite Trump’s continued diplomatic efforts, other lawmakers told Fox News Digital they believe the sanctions would actually strengthen the administration’s hand in negotiations. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said the bill is a “real enabler” for the Trump administration, while Democrat Senator Tim Kaine said the legislation gives Trump leverage.
Fox News reports that Senate Republican leadership is waiting on direct White House approval before bringing the bill to a vote.
Graham has expressed hope that the sanctions will be enacted before next week’s G7 Summit in Italy, sending “an unequivocal message to China.”
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President Trump said the Russian leader told him “very strongly” in a phone call Wednesday that he would respond to the drone assault on his country’s airfields.
President Trump said the Russian leader told him “very strongly” in a phone call Wednesday that he would respond to the drone assault on his country’s airfields.
Russian ex-President Dmitry Medvedev's statement that Russia seeks only a "swift victory" and the "complete destruction" of the Ukrainian government at the Istanbul peace talks is a "rare moment of honesty," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on June 3."I appreciate you making it clear to the world that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Russia are not remotely interested in peace," said Graham, a Republican lawmaker backing a bill on major new sanctions against Russia.Graham made the statemen
Russian ex-President Dmitry Medvedev's statement that Russia seeks only a "swift victory" and the "complete destruction" of the Ukrainian government at the Istanbul peace talks is a "rare moment of honesty," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on June 3.
"I appreciate you making it clear to the world that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and Russia are not remotely interested in peace," said Graham, a Republican lawmaker backing a bill on major new sanctions against Russia.
Graham made the statement in reaction to Medvedev's Telegram post, in which the deputy chairman of the Russian security council admitted that "the Istanbul negotiations are not intended for reaching a compromise peace based on someone's unrealistic conditions."
Russia and Ukraine held the second round of peace negotiations on June 2, during which Russia yet again rejected a long-term ceasefire and instead presented a memorandum with a list of harsh demands on Kyiv.
These reportedly included official recognition of Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territories, Ukraine's full withdrawal from four partially occupied regions, a ban on joining NATO, limits on the military, and more conditions.
Moscow's real goal in the talks is a "swift victory and the complete destruction" of the Ukrainian government, Medvedev said. He referred to Ukrainian authorities as a "neo-Nazi regime," referring to Russia's false narratives about the Nazi-led government in Kyiv that were used as a pretext for Russian aggression.
"This is the meaning of the Russian memorandum published yesterday (June 2)." Medvedev has gained notoriety during the full-scale war for his theatrical and incendiary remarks aimed at Ukraine and its Western partners.
Ukraine has repeatedly accused Moscow of intentionally stalling the negotiations to allow its forces to take more territory in the meantime.
"Our army is actively advancing and will continue to advance. Everything that should explode will explode, and everybody who should be exterminated will disappear," Medvedev said.
During the talks in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation also presented a peace proposal, which included a prisoner swap in an all-for-all format, the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as the release of all civilians held in Russian captivity.
According to the Ukrainian proposal seen by the Kyiv Independent, Kyiv would retain its right to join the EU and NATO. Ukraine also highlighted the need for security guarantees to avoid further Russian invasion.
Like the first round of talks on May 16, this week's negotiations ended without any tangible progress toward a long-term ceasefire or a peace deal. Instead, the two parties agreed on a new prisoner exchange, which could involve up to 1,200 prisoners on each side.
Moscow also proposed a brief ceasefire lasting up to three days to collect the bodies of fallen soldiers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky called upon U.S. President Donald Trump to adopt tougher sanctions against Russia if the Istanbul talks fail to achieve progress. A bipartisan bill proposed by Graham, which he said will "start moving" forward this week, would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products.
US Senators Lindsey Graham (R–SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D–CT) met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this week to reaffirm bipartisan support for Ukraine and promote a Senate bill proposing significant new sanctions on Russia.
The senators, known for their strong backing of Ukraine, are co-authors of a bipartisan bill that would introduce major new sanctions on Russia and impose 500% tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil, gas, and other critical resources.
Zelens
US Senators Lindsey Graham (R–SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D–CT) met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv this week to reaffirm bipartisan support for Ukraine and promote a Senate bill proposing significant new sanctions on Russia.
The senators, known for their strong backing of Ukraine, are co-authors of a bipartisan bill that would introduce major new sanctions on Russia and impose 500% tariffs on countries continuing to import Russian oil, gas, and other critical resources.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for their efforts, stating, “We have a shared understanding that Russia is making a mockery of diplomacy—pretending to negotiate while preparing new offensives and rejecting all ceasefire proposals.”
Senator Blumenthal emphasized the bill’s intent to send a strong message to buyers of Russian energy: “The Senate’s response will be clear—500% tariffs on anyone buying Russian oil, gas, or petrochemicals. That includes China and India, which currently buy most of these exports.”
Senator Graham added that the Senate could begin reviewing the bill next week, highlighting its broad support with backing from 82 US senators.
US Senators Lindsey Graham (R–SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D–CT) with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on 30 May 2025. Photo: President.gov.ua
Kyiv pushes for stronger global pressure ahead of talks
The visit comes as Ukraine and Russia prepare for a new round of peace talks scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul. While Moscow has proposed the meeting, Ukraine has not confirmed its attendance and is demanding that Russia publish its proposed peace terms in advance.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned that Moscow continues to use diplomatic platforms to delay rather than negotiate, and said Kyiv would not attend “on blind terms.” The last round of talks, held in mid-May, led to a major prisoner exchange but little progress toward a lasting ceasefire.
International observers are watching closely, as Kyiv insists that without serious Russian concessions, negotiations will remain superficial.
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We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.Become a Patron!
The U.S. Senate is expected to "start moving" next week on a bill introducing sweeping new sanctions against Russia, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said at a press briefing in Kyiv on May 30 attended by The Kyiv Independent.The proposed bill would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. At least 82 U.S. senators are prepared to vote for the bill, Graham said. "I would expect next week that the Senate will start moving the sanctio
The U.S. Senate is expected to "start moving" next week on a bill introducing sweeping new sanctions against Russia, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said at a press briefing in Kyiv on May 30 attended by The Kyiv Independent.
The proposed bill would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. At least 82 U.S. senators are prepared to vote for the bill, Graham said.
"I would expect next week that the Senate will start moving the sanctions bill," Graham, a vocal supporter of Ukraine and close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, said. "There are House members that are ready to move in the House, and you'll see congressional action. President Trump said that the next two-week period will be outcome-determined."
Asked whether Congress would pass the bill before its summer recess and whether Trump would sign it, Graham responded: "I've never been more optimistic than I am today."
The senator dismissed the upcoming June 2 Russian-Ukrainian peace talks in Istanbul, where Moscow is expected to present a draft ceasefire memorandum, as unlikely to yield progress.
"I see nothing about the meeting on Monday in Istanbul to give me any hope at all that Russia is interested in peace," he said. "So when this two-week period is over, I think it'd be pretty clear to everybody (that) Russia is playing a game at the expense of the world, not just the United States."
The senator also credited growing global recognition of Ukraine's willingness to negotiate in good faith and Russia's refusal to reciprocate.
"It's clear to almost anyone — Putin is not remotely interested in anything that would lead to peace," he said. "So there's a card game going on this summer. The first cards are going to be played by the United States Senate and the House."
Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya on May 30 reiterated that Moscow would only consider a ceasefire if Ukraine halts mobilization and stops receiving foreign military aid.
Reuters reported on May 28 that Russian President Vladimir Putin's broader demands include a written pledge from NATO to stop expanding, the lifting of certain sanctions, and recognition of Ukraine's neutral status.
Graham accused Moscow of stalling while ramping up its war effort and warned that the U.S. response would be swift and severe. He also issued a stark warning to Beijing.
"China, the game you're playing with Russia is about to change. If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to fuel Putin's war machine, there will be a 500% tariff on all of your products coming into the United States," he said.
He added that "70% of Russian oil is bought by China and India."
The first round of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over two years, held in Istanbul on May 16, produced no agreement on a ceasefire but resulted in a major prisoner exchange. A second round is tentatively scheduled for June 2.
Ukraine continues to demand a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Russia has refused, intensifying aerial assaults across Ukraine.
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