Senator Lindsey Graham predicted on Sunday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is going to face significant consequences from President Trump if Moscow doesn’t engage in negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
Graham remarked during an appearance on Fox News Channel that Trump has shown toughness towards Iran, which is in a weakened position, and now it’s Putin’s turn to feel the pressure.
The senator referred to Trump as the “Scotty Schaeffler of American politics and foreign diplomacy,” suggesting that Trump’s approach aims to deliver a strong message to Putin.
On July 14, Trump struck a peace deal with Russia that would last for 50 days. Should Russia refuse, it would face severe secondary tariffs on imports like oil and uranium—an unprecedented shift in the West’s stance since World War II.
Trump also indicated a plan to provide Ukraine with billions in military aid, including Patriot missile systems, funded by American and European allies.
Graham, a key figure behind a bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia currently pending in the Senate, acknowledged that while Putin could withstand sanctions, his military operations rely on major backers like China, India, and Brazil.
He noted that these countries collectively purchase around 80% of Russia’s discounted oil, which helps sustain Putin’s war efforts.
Graham warned Putin that the dynamics have changed and playing games with Trump could lead to significant errors and further economic decline.
Meanwhile, Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine, launching drone and missile strikes on Kyiv even after Trump’s announcement.
Shifting gears, Graham expressed his anger regarding an assault on a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip that resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, prompting rare regret from the Israeli government. He stated his displeasure with the situation, asserting that if the perpetrators were Israeli settlers, they should be held accountable.
