Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump’s approach toward Russia as lawmakers prepared to vote on new sanctions aimed at weakening Moscow’s ability to sustain its war against Ukraine.
Schumer Pushes New Russia Sanctions Vote
On Tuesday, Schumer accused Trump of failing to take a tougher stance against Russia and argued that the Senate needed to increase pressure on Moscow through additional economic measures.
"Instead of standing with Ukraine, Trump has tried and failed to pander to Russia," he said.
He added, "Today, the Senate will vote to establish significant new sanctions to truly cripple the Russian war effort."
Instead of standing with Ukraine, Trump has tried and failed to pander to Russia.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 29, 2026
Today, the Senate will vote to establish significant new sanctions to truly cripple the Russian war effort.
Trump Rejects Russia-Iran Intelligence Claim
On Monday, President Trump dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claim that Russia shared intelligence on U.S. military bases with Iran, saying he did not believe Moscow was providing significant intelligence support to Tehran.
Trump was scheduled to meet separately with Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, with discussions expected to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran, Lebanon negotiations and expanding the Abraham Accords.
A White House official said it was "time to end the war" in Ukraine.
Ukraine War Talks Face New Tensions
Trump had earlier spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a possible Ukraine peace deal, with the Kremlin calling the conversation constructive while reiterating its demand for a diplomatic settlement based on its position.
Russia and Ukraine continued trading accusations over the conflict, with Moscow saying battlefield advances and accusing Kyiv and European allies of escalating tensions.
Zelenskyy rejected Russia’s claim that it captured Kostiantynivka, calling it "another Russian lie," and challenged Putin to meet him there.
The Kremlin declined, maintaining that Moscow had invited Zelenskyy to meet Putin in Russia.
Last month, Russian officials criticized the U.S. over stalled diplomacy following the 2025 Alaska summit, accusing Washington of failing to follow through on agreements while saying Moscow remained open to continued talks.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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