US Democrats have launched an investigation into Trump's suspension of sanctions against Russia
Three Democratic senators – Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren, and Chris Coons – have announced the launch of an investigation into the five-month pause in imposing new sanctions against Russia during Donald Trump's presidency. This is reported by The Hill.
Since the beginning of Trump's second presidential term in January 2025, the United States has not imposed any new sanctions against Russia, and in some cases has even eased existing restrictions.
For comparison, during Joe Biden's presidency, the United States imposed an average of over 170 sanctions per month, imposing a total of over 6,200 restrictions against companies, trade, and financial operations related to the Russian military machine.
"Americans should ask why a president who says he wants to end a major war is instead allowing the aggressor to run wild," the senators said.
They added: "In addition to halting key aid to Ukraine, President Trump has blocked regular updates to our sanctions and export controls for five months, allowing a growing wave of sanctions violators in China and around the world to continue supplying the Russian war machine."
In their opinion, the lack of new sanctions allows Putin to continue the war.
Congressman Adam Smith stated that the Trump administration did not inform Congress about the decision to suspend the supply of some weapons to Ukraine, thereby jeopardizing US national security.
The Pentagon explained that the suspension is part of a broader review of US arms stocks. "We can't just give weapons to everyone, everywhere," said Department of Defense spokesman Sean Parnell.
Senators are urging the Trump administration to reinstate sanctions on companies that support Russia's defense industry and to join efforts with European partners to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin.
- Despite repeated statements, the US president has still not imposed new restrictions against Russia, although he has extended the sanctions from the Obama and Biden eras.
- On June 25, Secretary of State Rubio stated that Trump would not support Europe's request to strengthen sanctions against Russia, as Washington still wants to have room for negotiations on a peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
