Despite consensus among senators, the US is postponing the introduction of new sanctions against Russia until at least July. About this write Semaphore.
The U.S. Senate is delaying consideration of a bill to impose sanctions on Russia and its trading partners. Co-authors Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal are trying to make technical changes that would ease pressure on Ukraine's allies. But even with broad support, consideration is being delayed until at least July.
The reason was the escalation of the war between Israel and Iran, as well as new tax initiatives by Republicans. According to Senator John Thune, the Senate is “open to change” but is waiting for a signal from the Trump administration.
Donald Trump himself has yet to sign the bill, focusing on domestic politics and a potential military conflict with Iran. Against this backdrop, even widely supported bills, such as cryptocurrency regulation, are stalling.
Senator Graham acknowledged that sanctions would have to be postponed, but assured that the issues of Russia and Ukraine remain a priority for him. He stated: "Iran is in the spotlight now, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about Russia or Ukraine."
