The White House and Congress are calling on Trump to impose new sanctions against Russia

White House officials say Trump still hopes to develop an economic partnership with Russia and sees sanctions as escalating tensions with Moscow, which could destroy hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

But according to Trump's advisers, his disappointment with Putin is “genuine and growing.” They also added that Trump is seriously considering imposing sanctions after Russia stepped up its attacks in recent days.

“He's always looking for different ways to apply pressure. He always weighs his options,” a senior White House official said.

It is noted that US officials have already prepared new economic sanctions against Russia, including banking and energy restrictions. According to them, the sanctions package is ready for approval based on Trump's executive order.

Another option supported by some of Trump's advisers is for the president to approve or at least not block a bill introduced last month by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal.

This document imposes a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that buy Russian oil.

Some of Trump's advisers believe that this bill could be useful because it would allow subsequent sanctions to take effect, while Trump could essentially tell Putin that the decision on sanctions was not in his hands.

Source: Ukrinform, Reuters