U.S. Senate to consider new sanctions against Russia
By Kamila Aliyeva
U.S. senators will consider a bill stipulating the expansion of sanctions against Russia this week.
The exact substance of the Russia sanctions senators hope to attach to the Iran bill is not yet clear, but according to senior Senate aides, talks have focused on the substance offered by a set of bills already on offer, addressing everything from “Russia’s aggressive activities in Ukraine and Syria to allegations that Russian hackers tried to swing an American election”, the Washington Post reported
A group of leading senators, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, is negotiating a way to pass more stringent sanctions against Russia in the coming week, according to the report.
In general, supporters of tightening of the measures directed against Russia divide them into three large blocs, TASS reported.
First, issuing funds for development of "civil institutions", "independent media" and non-governmental organizations in European countries, among other reasons to fight against Russian influence. Second, introducing new mandatory sanctions, legislatively consolidate those already in force. Third, banning the US administration to withdraw any sanctions against Russia without the approval of the Congress.
"This will be a very comprehensive bill, it addresses all issues," the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican, Robert Corker said.
When asked whether the White House supports the measure, Corker hesitated, noting that “I have to believe that the administration has to at least strongly consider supporting this.”
The question of new Russian sanctions has been raised by a number of senators in both parties after the intelligence community announced in January its conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election on behalf of President Donald Trump.
The White House has been silent on the proposal and administration officials have been unclear on what the official position is. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in April that the current Russian sanctions would “remain” until the country gives up control of the Crimean peninsula.
Earlier, Trump has indicated he is skeptical about additional sanctions and has been dismissive about the role of Russian interference in the U.S. elections.
The American sanctions specifically target Russia’s energy sector, which makes up more than half of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. No U.S. oil company can do business with Russia, nor can any companies sell drilling technology needed to access oil and gas reserves. U.S. banks cannot issue long-term loans to Russian businesses for energy-focused projects.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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