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Trump ‘prepared to crush Russia’s economy if Putin turns down peace talks’

US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025
US President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin on the tarmac after they arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15, 2025 (AFP/Getty)
  • Senator Lindsey Graham is advocating for a sweeping sanctions bill to compel Vladimir Putin to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and discuss an end to the Ukraine war.
  • The proposed legislation would impose significant tariffs, potentially 500 per cent, on countries like China and India that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.
  • Graham stated that Donald Trump is prepared to 'crush' Russia's economy if Putin does not engage in peace talks.
  • The bipartisan bill has garnered support from 85 senators, though it currently lacks explicit endorsement from the White House.
  • Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, a supporter of the bill, cautioned against excessive optimism for a peace deal, emphasising that Putin responds to strength and pressure.
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