Trump is about to speak out on sanctions against Russia? Ukrainian allies hope it comes true.

As the Russo-Ukrainian war enters its 40th month, a significant sanctions bill targeting Russia has recently gained broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress and is rapidly moving forward. However, for this bill to take effect, it still requires President Trump’s public endorsement. He has already indicated that he will make a "major announcement" on Monday, leaving Ukraine and its Western allies eagerly anticipating his statement.

Trump's attitude is wavering, but his tough rhetoric towards Russia is escalating.

Although Trump vowed to end Russia's aggression against Ukraine during his campaign, he has yet to clearly support this sanctions bill. However, recently his tone has become more hardline, publicly expressing dissatisfaction with Putin's prolonged refusal to accept a ceasefire agreement, which has led to ongoing civilian casualties.

Last Tuesday, he approved the provision of defensive weapons to Ukraine. Two days later, he moved closer to a formal stance supporting sanctions, although he has not yet signed the relevant text. Sources revealed that Trump still has reservations about the content of the bill, believing that it limits the president's flexibility in foreign policy.

The momentum of the two houses of Congress is gradually rising: the Senate is set to vote as early as this month.

Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that the Senate may vote on the bill this month. House Speaker Mike Johnson also holds an optimistic view. According to sources, Senator Lindsey Graham and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have privately assured European diplomats that the bill is set to move forward.

Graham even stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the sanctions would not only target Russia, but also extend to China and India, which continue to purchase Russian energy. He emphasized: "This is a substantial blow to Putin's war machine."

Diplomacy and sanctions go hand in hand? The new plan is still under discussion.

It remains unclear whether Trump has abandoned his diplomatic negotiation route with Russia. The White House is currently seeking to retain broad veto power, allowing the president to adjust or refrain from imposing sanctions as necessary, which has raised concerns among some supporters that the bill may become a symbolic gesture.

Last week, Secretary of State Rubio revealed after his second face-to-face meeting in Kuala Lumpur with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that the two sides discussed a "new idea," which he will bring back for consultation with Trump. He emphasized that this idea does not necessarily lead to peace, but may open up new opportunities for dialogue.

Sanctions revealed: Russian individuals and energy exports become targets.

This bill, promoted by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, includes extensive sanctions against Russian officials, government agencies, and financial institutions.

The most concerning aspect is the imposition of punitive tariffs of up to 500% on countries that continue to trade with Russia (such as purchasing Russian oil, natural gas, uranium, etc.). This proposal is one of the tough measures that Ukrainian President Zelensky has been continuously urging Western allies to adopt over the past few months.

Technical details to be adjusted, the bill is expected to be voted on around the end of July.

According to two U.S. officials, the bill text has undergone intensive revisions over the past week. Insiders revealed that the Trump administration requested greater flexibility in the enforcement of sanctions to align with its overall foreign policy strategy. Congress and the White House are currently coordinating how to make the bill a "force multiplier" for the President's policy towards Russia.

In addition, the bill drafting team is also busy adjusting the details, such as how to avoid sanctions from interfering with the normal operation of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.

A spokesperson for Graham stated to Reuters that the bill is unlikely to be voted on in the Senate before the week of July 21, as Congress currently has other legislative priorities.

The congressional recess in August is approaching, and time pressure is mounting.

The House of Representatives will enter a one-month summer recess in two weeks, and the bill must be scheduled as soon as possible. Especially if Trump's proposal to cut foreign aid and public media spending (a total of about $9.4 billion) is modified and returned to the House, it will further squeeze the discussion time for the sanctions bill.

Nevertheless, some members of Congress acknowledge that even if the bill is passed, its substantive impact may be limited. After all, the president already has the executive power to impose sanctions on Russia, and whether to take action still depends on the final decision of the White House.

"The president already holds all relevant powers; the bill is more of a statement of position," admitted a Republican Senate aide.

This article Trump is about to speak out on sanctions against Russia? Ukrainian allies hope for it to come true. First appeared in Chain News ABMedia.