The White House is trying to soften the draft law on sanctions against Russia

According to WSJ sources, White House officials hoping to improve relations with Moscow have contacted Senator Graham's office, urging him to soften the bill, which has the support of almost the entire Senate. It provides for the introduction of 500% tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil and gas.

“Any sanctions package must provide complete flexibility for the president to continue to pursue his desired foreign policy,” White House officials said.

Officials are insisting on exceptions that would allow Trump to choose who or what to sanction. It is also proposed to soften the wording, replacing the word “must” with “may” to avoid making the provisions mandatory. According to the publication's sources, this would render the bill toothless and prevent it from stopping Putin's war machine.

Co-author of the bill, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, confirmed to the WSJ that private talks with the White House were taking place but declined to comment on them.

Source: The Telegraph, Ukrinform