U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeanne Shaheen are leading a group of Democratic Senators in urging the Trump Administration to take stronger actions against Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. In a letter addressed to National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Senators emphasize the need for measures beyond social media posts to increase pressure on Russia.
The letter criticizes the administration's lack of effective sanctions despite being more than 100 days into President Trump's term. "More than 100 days since President Trump took office, it appears that the Administration is unable or unwilling to apply sanctions pressure while negotiating to achieve a just and lasting peace," wrote the Senators.
This appeal coincides with an upcoming visit by President Xi Jinping to Moscow and Secretary Rubio's new responsibilities in coordinating U.S. national security policy concerning China and Ukraine negotiations. The lawmakers caution against overlooking Beijing's support for Russia's military actions.
“Treasury (in January) exposed a secret cross-border payment channel for sensitive exports from China to Russia, and it sanctioned entities in both the PRC and Russia for their role in this channel,” they stated. They also mention recent reports about additional schemes facilitating trade between China and Russia, urging action against those involved.
The Senators propose several steps for increasing pressure on Moscow, including restarting regular sanctions designations, strengthening energy sanctions, halting private sector reengagement with Russia, rebuilding enforcement teams, reversing financial loopholes, opposing Russian banking access renewal, and maintaining G7 unity.
“Time is of the essence. We urge you to push the Administration to make clear it will impose additional costs on Putin for his failure to bring this war to a just and lasting peace,” they concluded.
Other signatories include Senators Coons, Klobuchar, Kim, and Slotkin.