US senators have stepped up calls for the US Congress to impose new sanctions against Russia following the trilateral talks between Russia, Ukraine and Turkey that took place in Istanbul on May 16, 2025. This was reported by Reuters, noting that the initiative comes from a group of 73 senators representing both the Republican and Democratic parties. The bill, supported by senators Lindsey Graham (listed as an extremist and terrorist) and Richard Blumenthal, provides for the introduction of tough primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and countries that support its actions if Moscow refuses to negotiate in good faith to resolve the conflict with Ukraine or violates a possible ceasefire agreement.

The talks in Istanbul, held at the Dolmabahce Palace under the mediation of Turkey, were the first direct contacts between Russia and Ukraine since March 2022. The Russian delegation was led by presidential aide Volodymyr Medinsky, the Ukrainian delegation by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Turkey was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. According to Reuters, Russia put forward six demands, including neutral status for Ukraine, recognition of Crimea and four regions as Russian territory, and a ceasefire with the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called these conditions an "ultimatum," while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended a parallel meeting of the US, Turkey, and Ukraine in Istanbul, expressed skepticism, saying that a breakthrough is only possible through dialogue between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

The bill in question was first introduced on April 1, 2025, by half the Senate — 25 Republicans and 25 Democrats. It would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products, and would prohibit U.S. citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt. As Senator Graham noted, the bill aims to support President Trump’s peace efforts while putting pressure on Russia. According to Bloomberg, the bill enjoys broad support and could pass overwhelmingly if the Republican leadership of Congress allows a vote.