(WASHINGTON DC) – United States Senator Lindsey Graham has announced that President Donald Trump has authorised a bipartisan bill to impose further sanctions on Russia. The decision followed a meeting between the senator and the president on Wednesday. Senator Graham noted that while Ukraine has sought concessions to foster peace, the Russian dictator continues to oversee military actions that result in the loss of innocent lives. The proposed legislation intends to grant the president the legal power to penalise nations that purchase discounted Russian oil, which is a primary source of funding for the Kremlin’s military operations. A bipartisan vote on the matter is expected to take place as early as next week.
In Ukraine, the humanitarian situation remains critical following targeted strikes by Russian forces against essential infrastructure. Residents in the city of Dnipro, as well as several districts within the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, are currently without electricity, heating, and consistent access to running water. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba stated that both regions are experiencing near total blackouts. Consequently, hospitals and other vital facilities have been forced to rely on emergency generators. Officials in Zaporizhzhia are utilising alternative energy sources to maintain the water supply, though repair efforts are being hindered by extreme winter conditions, with temperatures falling below -20°C.
Simultaneously, the US European Command has confirmed the seizure of an oil tanker in the North Atlantic that was being monitored by a Russian submarine. The vessel, which changed its name from Bellawan to Marinara and switched its registration from Panama to a false Guyana flag before appearing under Russian colours, was intercepted as part of a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil exports. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the blockade remains in full effect globally. Although the ship was officially listed as empty, authorities suspect it may have been used to transport illicit cargo such as weapons or narcotics. This maritime intervention follows the recent capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by US forces.