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After Trump–Putin Summit Collapses, US Senators Push New Sanctions Package Against Russia
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
Following the cancellation of the planned summit between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, a group of US senators has moved to introduce three new bipartisan bills aimed at ramping up pressure on Moscow, Axios reported on October 22.
According to Axios, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set to review the measures this Wednesday. Lawmakers told the outlet that the proposals were finalized shortly after the White House confirmed it was suspending preparations for a second Trump–Putin meeting in Budapest.
Americans, to include both parties, overwhelmingly want more weapons support to Ukraine and more sanctions against Russia. pic.twitter.com/OgvEBGmN6A
— Rep. Don Bacon 🇺🇸✈️🏍️⭐️🎖️ (@RepDonBacon) October 19, 2025
The package reportedly includes three key initiatives backed by both Democrats and Republicans:
designating Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing Moscow’s role in the forced deportation of Ukrainian children;
imposing sanctions on China for aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine;
authorizing the transfer of frozen Russian assets held in the US to Ukraine every 90 days;
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH), a senior member of the committee, said the bills are designed to “make it harder for Russia to continue its war in Ukraine.”
“Since the White House appears unwilling to act, it’s important for Congress to take the initiative,” Shaheen said.
If the committee approves the measures, it would give a bipartisan group of senators new momentum to tighten sanctions on Moscow and demonstrate that Congress remains ready to escalate pressure, Axios noted.
“The more we can do to push back against Russia, the stronger our resolve becomes,” said Committee Chairman James Risch (R–ID).
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The meeting coincides with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s unannounced visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with Trump and key congressional leaders. Rutte will also hold talks on Capitol Hill with Shaheen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis (R–NC).
According to Axios, the legislative package aims to build political momentum for tougher action against Russia without moving forward on a larger sanctions proposal that remains stalled.
On Tuesday, US officials confirmed that the White House had halted preparations for the Budapest summit. “President Trump has no plans to meet President Putin in the near future,” a White House spokesperson told Axios.
Trump himself said he didn’t want to hold a “pointless meeting,” but hinted that “other developments” could be announced within the next two days.
Earlier, Poland warned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin could face arrest if his plane crossed Polish airspace en route to Hungary for a planned summit with US President Donald Trump.
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