Political Analyst: Graham's "Hellish" Sanctions Will Bring Russia's Downfall Closer
2- 18.07.2026, 8:50
- 2,142
Economic pressure is just as important as decisions made on the battlefield.
The war against Russia is increasingly turning into a struggle for resources, in which the speed at which economic pressure is applied is no less important than decisions on the battlefield. The bill proposed by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal could become one of the most powerful tools, as it calls for the imposition of secondary tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources.
Political analyst Artem Bronzhukov appeared on Channel 24 explained why even a watered-down version of these sanctions could deal a heavier blow to Russia’s economy. He also outlined the conditions under which the new restrictions would bring closer the moment when the Kremlin would no longer be able to sustain a war of attrition.
The bill proposed by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal could become a powerful tool to exert pressure not only on Russia but also on countries that continue to purchase its energy resources. First and foremost, this concerns China and India, but Turkey’s reaction will also be important, as it remains one of the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The bill has already been softened: the proposed tariffs were reduced from 500% to 100%, and Donald Trump was given the authority to suspend them at his discretion. Even in this form, the new restrictions could intensify pressure on the Russian economy and force the Kremlin’s trading partners to choose between cooperating with the U.S. and purchasing Russian resources.
“Any increase in pressure on the Russian Federation and any tightening of the economic noose around the Putin regime’s neck should be welcomed with open arms,” Bronzukov emphasized.
At the same time, the final outcome will depend on Trump, whose decisions often change. His relations with Ukraine and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have now improved, so it is important for Kyiv to use this period to push for new sanctions and other measures capable of weakening Russia.
“If we have the opportunity to take advantage of his positive attitude toward Ukraine, we need to squeeze the most out of this lemon, make lemonade, and move forward toward adopting the next set of measures,” the political analyst said.
No single package of sanctions will end the war instantly, but consistently limiting Russian revenues reduces the Kremlin’s resources.
Russia is counting on wearing down Ukraine and its partners, so every new restriction should gradually reduce the aggressor’s revenues and deprive it of the ability to finance the war.
“This is a war of attrition, in which the winner will be whoever holds out one day longer. The secondary duties provided for in the Graham-Blumenthal bill bring closer the moment when Russia will fall,” Bronzukov emphasized.
U.S. restrictions must be backed by a new package of European Union sanctions. Coordinated pressure from both sides of the Atlantic could yield more tangible results than isolated measures, especially if the restrictions are imposed consistently and without prolonged exemptions for Russian partners.
“Sanctions are working, but the results are coming too slowly, given that Ukraine is paying the highest price—with the blood of its defenders and the deaths of civilians,” the political analyst said.
Further intensifying economic pressure should shorten the time during which the Kremlin is still able to sustain the war. To achieve this, the allies must not only adopt new rounds of sanctions but also ensure that Russia does not circumvent them through third countries.
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