Tensions Escalate: U.S. Senators Warn of Potential New Offensive by Russia
PARIS, 2025 (AP) — During a recent visit to Ukraine, two senior senators from the United States expressed grave concerns over increasing hostilities from Russia. Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is exploiting ongoing peace discussions as he readies a fresh military campaign in Ukraine— a conflict that has wreaked havoc on cities, displaced millions, and significantly altered Europe’s security landscape.
The senators shared their insights with The Associated Press following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a tour of war-torn neighborhoods suffering from what they described as some of the most intense bombardments since the onset of the invasion.
In Paris, where they met with French President Emmanuel Macron—who the senators said is "completely aligned" with their views—they highlighted the urgency of the situation. They warned that any hope of preventing another assault on Ukraine is swiftly fading.
They introduced a far-reaching U.S. sanctions bill, which they described as a critical effort to undermine the Kremlin’s war economy. Graham noted that the firsthand experiences from their trip could sway Washington’s leaders, including a skeptical Donald Trump, to back this aggressive measure.
Graham remarked, "My takeaway from this visit is that he’s gearing up for further conflict,” while Blumenthal labeled the proposed sanctions as "bone-crushing," predictive of isolating Russia economically. "It’s a pivotal moment for both Putin and global stability," he added, as reports of a new offensive emerge.
At the forefront of their advocacy is a bipartisan sanctions legislation that has garnered support from nearly all U.S. senators yet faces an uncertain future in Congress. This bill proposes hefty 500% tariffs on nations that persist in purchasing Russian energy and resources—targeting key players such as China and India, which significantly fund Russia’s military operations.
Graham characterized the bill as "the most severe I’ve ever encountered in the Senate," arguing, “The international community possesses several avenues to counter Putin’s aggression, and we must hold accountable those nations enabling his war machine.”
The Question of Genuine Peace Talks
While peace negotiations are set to initiate again in Istanbul, Ukrainian officials allege that Moscow has yet to present any substantive proposals. This stalling has been described by the senators as intentional and perilous.
"Putin is attempting to manipulate President Trump," Blumenthal warned, suggesting that the Russian leader is prolonging talks to prepare for a more extensive territorial takeover. Graham echoed this sentiment, stating, "We have credible evidence pointing towards an impending invasion this summer or early fall.”
As Trump has not yet committed to support the sanctions framework—vowing to review it—Graham reminded that the legislation was crafted in consultation with the former president’s team. Despite Trump’s diplomatic inclinations, Graham stressed that it has become unmistakable that Putin has no interest in terminating the conflict.
Blumenthal expressed hope that the bipartisan consensus regarding Ukraine in the Senate, along with their detailed accounts from the field, could influence discussions back home.
A Moral Responsibility
In Kyiv, the senators observed the devastating toll the war has taken on civilians. Graham noted estimates suggesting nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia, insisting that their return is a critical issue of justice. Blumenthal reflected on the horrors witnessed at mass graves in Bucha, where civilians were systematically executed, elucidating the high stakes involved in any delay from the West: "Putin is ruthless, and failure to act now may lead to deeper American involvement in future conflicts."
Solidarity in Europe
After an insightful meeting with Macron, both senators reported a unified European front ready to intensify its response. Blumenthal characterized their discussions with Macron as a "breakthrough moment," affirming that Europe exhibits moral clarity in the face of Russian aggression.
He noted the rare bipartisan support for the sanctions legislation as a testament to the urgency of the cause: “It’s remarkable to see 41 Republicans and 41 Democrats united on a singular issue," he stressed.
As Ukrainian military leaders prepare to address Congress, a vote on sanctions looms. "We should have a clearer picture in two weeks regarding whether Putin is stringing us along," Graham stated anticipatively. “We might receive more definitive evidence from Russia on Monday."