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Senators, secretary debate Russia sanctions and China’s role; Graham, Rubio press tariffs as pressure tactic
Summary
Committee members and Secretary Rubio discussed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, the role China plays in sustaining Moscow’s war effort, and the potential for secondary measures to press Russia toward negotiations.
Sen. Lindsey Graham told the committee the U.S. and allies must press Russia toward a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine and pointed to China and India as countries that have reduced the impact of sanctions by purchasing discounted Russian oil. Graham and other senators said stronger measures could push Russia to the table.
Secretary Marco Rubio and several senators spoke about pending and prospective sanctions. Rubio said that the Senate has been clear that it is a separate body with its own will and that the U.S. will continue to coordinate with allies. Graham suggested tariffs — citing a theoretical 500% tariff on countries that buy Russian oil — as a tool to reduce Chinese purchases of Russian oil. Rubio and others said that China has "helped Russia as much as they can without getting caught," and that cutting off those flows would affect Russia’s war machine.
Why it matters: Senators emphasized that how the Ukraine war ends could influence Chinese calculations about Taiwan and broader global security, and they asked whether prospectively tougher sanctions should be part of U.S. strategy.
Rubio said the administration had engaged NATO partners and worked to preserve Senate and House roles in shaping sanctions. He noted that Russia presented a possible term sheet to start talks and that the U.S. and allies are watching for signs of seriousness. Several senators noted there are already about 80 Senate cosponsors on sanctions legislation.
Ending: Senators said they may move legislation and urged continued coordination between the administration and Congress; Rubio said he was mindful of congressional prerogatives and the need for bipartisan engagement.
