A political scandal is brewing in the United States around the policy of the Donald Trump administration towards Russia. Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Elizabeth Warren and Chris Coons have launched an investigation, accusing the White House of deliberately blocking new sanctions against Moscow. In their opinion, this approach undermines efforts to counter Russia in Ukraine and allows third countries to support Russia's military potential. This was reported in an official statement published on the website of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Senators expressed concern that since Trump took office in early 2025, the administration has taken no steps to impose new sanctions on Russia, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They said the president, who claims to want a peaceful settlement, is effectively allowing Moscow to act with impunity. The lawmakers particularly focused on the White House’s suspension of regular updates to sanctions and export controls over the past five months, which they said opens up opportunities for evasion. In particular, the senators pointed to China and other countries that they say continue to supply Russia with components and technology needed for its military industry.

The Senate investigation is aimed at finding out why the Trump administration is abandoning its sanctions policy. Senators are demanding that the White House provide explanations and documents regarding the decision-making process in this matter. According to Jeanne Shaheen, the American people have the right to know why the president, who publicly advocates ending the conflict, does not take measures to contain Russia. Elizabeth Warren emphasized that the lack of sanctions strengthens the Russian military machine, which is contrary to the interests of the United States and its allies.

Criticism of Trump has intensified after his repeated statements about the need to review relations with Russia. According to Politico, the president has repeatedly emphasized that tough sanctions could complicate negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. However, such explanations have not convinced senators, who believe that the rejection of sanctions weakens the US position on the international stage and undermines support for Ukraine, which previously received significant military and financial assistance from Washington.

According to Reuters, in 2024, the United States introduced several packages of sanctions against Russian companies and individuals, but after the change of administration in January 2025, this practice was suspended. Experts note that such a pause may be connected with Trump's attempts to build a dialogue with Moscow, but this causes discontent not only in Congress, but also among US allies in Europe. In particular, NATO representatives expressed concern that the easing of sanctions pressure could strengthen Russia's position in the conflict.