The new Russia sanctions that limit the power of the President of the United States in unilaterally withdrawing sanctions on Russia and adds additional sanctions on both Iran and North Korea passed the Senate with overwhelming support and is set to reach the President’s desk for final signature. The vote in the Senate was 98-2. The sanctions target Russian gas and pipeline developments by codifying six of former President Barack Obama’s executive orders implementing sanctions on Russia. The house also supported the bill with an overwhelming majority (419-3), which will limit the President’s power to veto the bill.
The bill seriously jeopardizes President Trump’s promise to restore relations with Russia, which reached an all-time low under his predecessor Barrack Obama. President Trump is reportedly against new sanctions as they have so far proved to be ineffective and hinders diplomacy.
US lawmakers ignored warnings from both Russia, which threatened retaliatory measures and the EU, which has also warned retaliations as the new bill threatens Europe’s energy security by sanctioning European companies involved in building Nord Stream 2 pipeline that aims to bring Russian gas to Germany.
