Russia reacts to approval of Graham bill: "It will complicate peace settlement"

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Russia is monitoring the Graham bill, which will strengthen US sanctions against Russia, and that the signing of the bill will complicate a "peace settlement" of the war against Ukraine.

Source: Interfax-Russia, citing Peskov in a comment to journalists

Quote: "We are, of course, monitoring the progress of this document. This concerns unfriendly actions, and, of course, the introduction of any additional sanctions by the US will undoubtedly complicate efforts to find a peaceful settlement in Ukraine."

Background:

• On 16 September, the US House of Representatives passed a bill on sanctions against Russia championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill will now go to US President Donald Trump for signing.
• Under the bill, Trump would have the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian energy or help Russia circumvent sanctions.
• The bill also enables sanctions against Russian officials, banks and the shadow fleet, while extending existing sanctions against Iran.
• The Wall Street Journal later reported that Trump plans to sign the bill.
• Meanwhile, in the context of the bill's passage, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that the measures would force Russia to end the war against Ukraine.

Subscribe on Patreon to back our journalism long-term.