Sens. Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal announced Sunday a bipartisan sanctions package that would grant President Donald Trump sweeping powers, described as a “diplomatic sledgehammer,” to force Russia to end its war against Ukraine.

Speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Graham emphasized the urgency, noting Trump’s months-long efforts to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace have been rebuffed. “A turning point regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is coming,” Graham said. “Dick and I have got 85 co-sponsors in the Senate for congressional sanctions, a sledgehammer available to President Trump to go after Putin’s economy.”

The senators detailed a sanctions package granting Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries aiding Russia, specifically naming China, India, and Brazil as key enablers of Putin’s war machine. “This is truly a sledgehammer available to President Trump to end this war,” Graham reiterated.

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