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U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Tuesday that he does not believe Congress should move forward with imposing sanctions on Russia until after the 50-day deadline set by former President Donald Trump for Moscow to end the conflict in Ukraine has passed.
“We were discussing the possibility of sanctioning Russia,” the Louisiana Republican said during a regular news briefing. “However, both the House and Senate agree that since the White House has set this 50-day timeframe, we need to allow the president, the administration, the secretary of defence, and the Pentagon to handle the situation and see how it develops.”
Some lawmakers have been advocating for strong sanctions against Russia, including a bipartisan Senate bill supported by 85 co-sponsors that would enforce a 500% tariff on countries importing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other goods. China and India make up around 70% of Russia’s global energy trade, which funds its military operations.
Still, Republican leaders in both chambers have stated they will not advance any sanctions legislation without the former president’s consent.
On July 14, Trump warned of harsh sanctions against Russia and nations purchasing its oil but allowed Moscow a 50-day window to negotiate a ceasefire.
Johnson emphasised the need for peace. “This conflict has dragged on too long with too many innocent lives lost. We want to avoid any further American military involvement,” he said.
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