Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven of North Dakota has teamed up with Senators Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut to propose new sanctions targeting Russia. The legislation, supported by a group of 49 bipartisan senators, aims to establish primary and secondary sanctions against Russia. These measures are designed to come into effect if Russia fails to engage in genuine peace negotiations with Ukraine or undertakes actions, such as a military invasion, that compromise Ukraine's sovereignty following a negotiated peace.

Senator Hoeven stated, "Our legislation sends a clear message that if Russia rejects peace or escalates its aggression, there will be serious repercussions." He further explained that the sanctions and tariffs aimed at those who support Russia's actions are intended to promote peace by ensuring that all aggressors are held accountable.

The coalition of co-sponsors for the bill includes a wide array of senators: Dan Sullivan, Dick Durbin, Katie Britt, Sheldon Whitehouse, Todd Young, Angus King, Pete Ricketts, Tim Kaine, Kevin Cramer, Amy Klobuchar, John Curtis, Brian Schatz, Tom Cotton, Maggie Hassan, Deb Fischer, Angela Alsobrooks, Joni Ernst, Mazie Hirono, Roger Wicker, Jeanne Shaheen, Thom Tillis, Peter Welch, Markwayne Mullin, Chris Coons, Tim Sheehy, Kirsten Gillibrand, Lisa Murkowski, Mark Kelly, Jon Husted, Elissa Slotkin, Chuck Grassley, John Hickenlooper, John Cornyn, Michael Bennet, Shelley Moore Capito, Ruben Gallego, John Fetterman, John Boozman, Chris Van Hollen, James Lankford, Martin Heinrich, Rick Scott, Adam Schiff, Jim Justice, Elizabeth Warren, Steve Daines, and Jack Reed.

The introduction of this legislation highlights the ongoing diplomatic effort in the U.S. Senate to address the situation in Ukraine and holds international actors accountable for aggressive actions.