Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young from Indiana has joined 49 other Senate members in introducing new sanctions against the Russian Federation and its supporters if they continue aggressive actions in Ukraine. The sanctions propose penalties on nations purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other commodities.

Senators sponsoring this initiative include Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, and more. The sanctions are a response to Russia's refusal to engage in peace talks or any future actions undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. "We are pleased to announce that we have received overwhelming bipartisan support for our primary and secondary sanctions legislation against Russia," the senators stated.

They further emphasized: "The dominating view in the United States Senate is that Russia is the aggressor, and that this horrific war and Putin’s aggression must end now and be deterred in the future."

The senators expressed their support for "President Trump's desire to achieve a lasting, just, and honorable peace." They recalled previous agreements—like the 1994 Budapest Memorandum and Minsk agreements from 2014 and 2015—that failed to prevent Russian aggression. The hope is for President Trump's administration in 2025 to succeed where others have not: "ending Russian aggression against Ukraine permanently and ensuring the survivability of a free and democratic Ukraine."

The senators concluded with their readiness to push for these sanctions if necessary, stating: "These sanctions against Russia are at the ready and will receive overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support if presented to the Senate and House for a vote."

A call was made for an "immediate ceasefire to secure a lasting, honorable peace."