Extremely anti-Russian U.S. Senator: Trump Approved the Bill to Impose 500% Tariffs on Purchasers of Russian Oil from China, India, etc.
Russian President's Press Secretary Peskov said on Monday that he had noticed the remarks by U.S. Republican Senator Graham about possible new sanctions against Russia. Graham is pushing a new bill in the U.S. Congress to impose strict sanctions on Russia and said supporters of the bill should consider its impact on facilitating a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement.
Graham told ABC during an interview on Sunday that President Trump had told him the sanction bill should be voted on in advance. The bill would impose 500% tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil, such as China and India.
Graham said in the interview, "This is a major breakthrough. What does this bill do? If you buy products from Russia but don't help Ukraine, your products exported to the United States will be subject to 500% tariffs."
Graham continued, "India and China have bought 70% of Putin's oil. They are keeping Putin's war machine running. My bill has 84 co-sponsors in the Senate. It will allow the president to impose tariffs on China, India, and other countries to stop them from supporting Putin's war machine and force him to the negotiating table."
Graham explained, "Yesterday, (Trump) first told me. He said, 'It's time to push your bill.' Mr. President, there is an exemption clause in the bill. Whether it is implemented or not, you decide. But we will give President Trump a tool he doesn't have now. After the Congress adjourns in July, we will pass a bill allowing the president ··· "
Graham said he believed Trump would sign the bill, and whether it is implemented ultimately depends on his decision. The senior senator emphasized, "We are trying to get Putin to the negotiating table."
In Moscow, when asked about Graham's comments, Peskov told reporters on Monday that he had noticed the remarks by the American senator. Peskov said, "We have noticed (the senator's statement), and we are very familiar with the senator's position, which is known worldwide."
Peskov continued, "He is one of those deeply rooted anti-Russians. If he were in charge, these sanctions would have already been implemented. Does this help solve the problem? Those who initiate such events should ask themselves." Previously, Graham had been listed by Russian authorities on its "terrorists and extremists" list.
Source: rfi
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1836382181802314/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.