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“Playing Us Like a Piano”: Republicans Push for Harsh Sanctions on Russia After Drone Strike on Poland
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![Photo of Roman Kohanets]( "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
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Republican lawmakers are intensifying pressure on President Donald Trump to adopt new sanctions on Russia after NATO aircraft shot down multiple Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during strikes on Ukraine, according to CNN on September 10.
Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, said Russia is “playing us like a piano right now,” accusing Russian leader Vladimir Putin of using high-profile meetings with world leaders to buy time while escalating military attacks. “That is not somebody who is wanting peace,” Tillis told reporters.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, who co-authored a bipartisan sanctions bill with Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, renewed his appeal directly to Trump. Posting on X, Graham wrote: “Mr. President, Congress is with you. We stand ready to pass legislation authorizing bone crushing new sanctions and tariffs that can be deployed at your discretion.” The package would permit tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources without supporting Ukraine’s war effort.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune signaled that recent events had “intensified interest” in moving the bill, though he emphasized that leadership remains in consultation with the White House. “That was a provocative act, which clearly is an attempt to test the US and our NATO allies,” Thune said.
Other Republicans echoed the call. Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota urged immediate passage of the sanctions, while Rep. Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, said Trump is “about had it with Vladimir Putin’s games, and he’s about ready to do something.” Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa added that Putin is “playing” Trump and that new sanctions would strengthen his negotiating position.
Some lawmakers, however, defended the president’s more cautious approach. Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma said sanctions could carry “a dramatic effect on our economy and other nations’ economies,” and argued Trump is first seeking to use tariffs as leverage.
A White House official told CNN that any sanctions legislation must provide the president with “complete flexibility” to align with his diplomatic objectives.
Earlier, it was reported that multiple Russian drones violated Polish airspace during a major strike on Ukraine, prompting Poland (with NATO support) to defend its skies, and provoking US lawmakers and the EU to demand stronger sanctions on Russia.
