“Clearly the pressure we’re applying to Putin to come to the peace table and stop massive attacks against Ukraine is not working,” the South Carolina Republican wrote on X.
Graham’s comments followed reports that Russian drones and missiles targeted Ukraine’s power grid overnight Tuesday, injuring at least 10 people—just one day before U.S.-brokered peace talks are set to begin in Abu Dhabi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault and urged tougher sanctions against Moscow.
“This speaks volumes about Russia’s promises. If their word doesn’t hold even now, what can be expected next?” Zelensky wrote on X. “Russia must feel pressure so that it moves in negotiations toward peace.”
Zelensky also called on the U.S. Congress to advance legislation tightening sanctions and asked European allies to curb Russian oil shipments that continue to fund the war.
Graham echoed the call for action, urging Trump to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, which he said would be a “game changer militarily,” and to expand economic pressure on countries buying Russian oil, gas and uranium.
He praised Trump’s announcement Monday that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to cut Russian oil imports in exchange for a reduction in U.S. tariffs, calling it a model to follow.
“India is now buying dramatically less Russian oil, and if the other large purchasers would follow suit, it would help end this bloodbath,” Graham said.
The latest Russian attack casts uncertainty over the two-day peace talks scheduled to begin Thursday in the UAE. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law recently met with Russian generals and said progress had been made toward a security protocol and prosperity agreement.
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Source: PAP, The Hill