Republican senators did not pass the sanctions bill before the summer recess, allowing the US president to independently decide on pressure tactics against Russia. Trump presented an ultimatum to Putin regarding the cessation of military actions by August 8.
The government is already imposing tariffs on Indian imports, which will be the first step in pressuring countries that support the Russian economy. The sanctions package that included even harsher measures did not receive support in the Senate.
There are doubts among congressmen regarding Trump’s real actions. The president stated that the sanctions may have limited effectiveness and emphasized that their impact is constrained. The administration is also counting on other pressure tools, not just tariffs.
After the senators did not support the sanctions bill, President Trump took the initiative into his own hands regarding pressure on Russia. By posing an ultimatum to Putin and imposing tariffs on Indian imports, he will attempt to implement his own strategy for relations with Moscow, without relying on Congressional support.