U.S. House Speaker sees no immediate Russia sanctions action

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has said Congress should wait before considering new sanctions on Russia, following President Donald Trump’s July 14 ultimatum giving Moscow 50 days to end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking at a weekly press conference, Johnson explained, "But I think the House and the Senate agree that the White House having given that deadline of 50 days, we need to allow the commander-in-chief and the administration and the secretary of defense and the Pentagon to do what they're going to do, and we'll see how that plays out".

Although a bipartisan Senate bill backed by 85 co-sponsors proposes sweeping sanctions, including 500% tariffs on Russian exports like oil, gas, and uranium — Republican leadership has stated they will not advance any legislation without Trump's endorsement.

China and India, key buyers of Russian energy, would be directly impacted by such tariffs, which aim to weaken Moscow’s war funding.

Trump’s recent threat of strict sanctions gives Russia until early September to reach a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Johnson emphasized a desire to end the war, stating, “We need peace over there. It's gone on too long. Too many innocent people are dying. And we don't want further American involvement in this at all.”

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