Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan, Lindsey Graham, and Richard Blumenthal have introduced legislation aimed at imposing sanctions on Russia and international entities bolstering Russia's actions in Ukraine. The mechanism of these sanctions will activate if Russia opts not to participate in good-faith negotiations for a sustainable peace with Ukraine or initiates any efforts, including military aggression, that compromise Ukraine's sovereignty following a peace agreement.

Senator Sullivan highlighted the objective of the legislation, "President Trump's goal in these negotiations is clear: stopping this war, ending the killing, and ensuring a sovereign and secure Ukraine." He explained that achieving this outcome necessitates a collaborative effort by both Ukraine and Russia at the negotiating table, which has been persistently hindered by Russian President Vladimir Putin's reluctance to agree to a ceasefire or engage in serious peace negotiations. Sullivan is working alongside a bipartisan Senate majority to push a comprehensive sanctions package that sends a strong message to Putin and grants the administration additional tools to facilitate the end of hostilities and establish peace.

Senator Sullivan has been vocal in his support of actions that reprimand and deter Russia and other authoritarian regimes. He criticized the Biden administration's foreign policy as ineffective against Putin's aggression. Sullivan has advocated for sustainable defense spending, exceeding 3% GDP, reducing dependency on Russian energy by exporting U.S. and Alaskan resources, and reinforcing Alaska's military capabilities against potential threats from Russian and Chinese forces.

The sanctions proposal is co-sponsored by a broad group of U.S. senators from both parties. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Mike Quigley, Joe Wilson, and Marcy Kaptur.