‘Putin is a thug’: US senators say he’s stalling peace with Ukraine, planning new offensive

Vladimir Putin (left); Donald Trump (right): File photo

Two senior US senators have warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is deliberately delaying peace negotiations while gearing up for a fresh military offensive in Ukraine. Speaking from Paris on Sunday, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal said the coming two weeks could be crucial in shaping the future of a war that has devastated cities, displaced millions, and reshaped Europe’s security landscape.The senators met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and visited areas devastated by what they described as the worst Russian bombardments since the full-scale invasion began. Now in Paris for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron who they say is “100% aligned” with their views, they cautioned that the window to prevent another assault is rapidly closing.Central to their efforts is a sweeping bipartisan US sanctions bill aimed at crippling the Kremlin’s war economy. The legislation, which has broad support in the Senate but faces uncertain prospects in Washington, would impose crippling tariffs of 500% on countries continuing to import Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other key exports. Nations such as China and India, which account for around 70% of Russia’s energy trade, would be the main targets.Senator Graham called it “the most draconian bill I’ve ever seen in my life in the Senate.” He said, “The world has a lot of cards to play against Putin,” adding, “We’re going to hit China and India for propping up his war machine.”Both senators expressed concern over the slow progress in peace talks, scheduled to resume on Monday in Istanbul. Ukrainian officials say Moscow has yet to put forward any serious proposals, a delay the senators described as a calculated stalling tactic by Putin to buy time for a new offensive.“Putin is playing President Trump,” Blumenthal said bluntly. “He’s taking him for a sucker.” He added, “He’s stalling and stonewalling to mount this offensive and seize more territory.”Graham agreed, warning, “We saw credible evidence of a summer or early fall invasion, a new offensive by Putin. … He’s preparing for more war.”Despite the urgent calls, US President Donald Trump has yet to back the sanctions bill, saying, “I don’t know. I’ll have to see it.” Graham noted the legislation was drafted with input from Trump’s advisers and praised his diplomatic instincts, but said, “It’s become painfully clear he’s not interested in ending this war.”The senators hope their direct encounters with the devastation in Ukraine will sway opinions in Washington. “He needs to see and hear that message as well from us, from the American people,” Blumenthal said.Their visit also laid bare the grim human cost of the conflict. Graham highlighted estimates that nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia, calling their return “a matter of justice, not diplomacy.” Blumenthal spoke of visiting mass graves in Bucha, where civilians were executed at close range. “Putin is a thug. He’s a murderer,” he said.Both men warned that failure to act now could pull the US deeper into the conflict. “If Putin is not stopped, Nato treaty obligations could force American troops into battle,” Blumenthal cautioned.Following a meeting with Macron, both senators expressed confidence that Europe is ready to strengthen its stance. “President Macron has shown moral clarity,” Blumenthal said. “He is 100% aligned with the message we’re taking back to Washington.”As Ukraine’s military leaders prepare to brief Congress, a vote on the sanctions bill could soon follow. Graham concluded, “President Trump said we’ll know in two weeks whether he’s being strung along.” “There will be more evidence from Russia on Monday.”