U.S. Senator Graham Warns: "Sanction the Hell Out of Russia" if Ceasefire Fails

On March 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham emphasized that Russia’s next move will be critical in determining whether a recently proposed ceasefire in Ukraine can succeed.

“I hope Russia will follow,” Graham said, referring to the U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire accepted by Ukraine. “If Russia refuses, we should sanction the hell out of them.”

The senator also announced plans to introduce legislation imposing new, sweeping sanctions on Russia, including penalties on nations that continue to buy Russian oil, gas, and uranium. “It is long overdue for Russia to feel overwhelming economic pain as a result of their brutal invasion of Ukraine,” Graham said.

While Graham praised President Donald Trump’s team for helping to broker the ceasefire — “Well done to the Trump Team” — his focus remained on pressuring Russia to comply. “I applaud President Trump’s efforts to end this barbaric war ASAP,” he added.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed back against U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s remarks suggesting he should resign, emphasizing that Ukraine’s leadership is determined by its citizens, not foreign politicians.