After Putin Skips Peace Talks, Blumenthal Calls for Passage of Bipartisan Russian Sanctions Bill

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today issued the below statement calling for the passage of his bipartisan legislation that would impose hard-hitting primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression, following Vladimir Putin’s refusal to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine:

“Time for scorching sanctions, as Putin mocks Trump—and America—by sending low-level minions to supposed peace talks. He’s a murderous thug who understands only force—economic or military.

“Putin will continue stonewalling and slow-walking ceasefire efforts till his economy is hit hard—isolating it on a financial island—as my sanctions bill with Senator Graham would do. It’s supported by European allies, Ukraine, and nearly 80 Senators, evenly bipartisan.

“We need a vote—right now—whatever the legislative path. It will pass overwhelmingly and help stop Putin’s purposeful, brutal battlefield bloodshed, bomb and drone civilian deaths, horrendous maiming and suffering. Time to speak to him in the only language he understands.”

-30-