The German Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, emphasized this Thursday that the United States is sending a "strong signal" to Russia, making it clear that it is willing to increase pressure on the Kremlin after the House of Representatives approved a law that allows sanctions against countries that acquire Russian energy in response to the war in Ukraine.
"By passing the Graham bill, the United States Congress sends a strong signal to Russia: Any source of income that fuels its war against Ukraine could now be subject to U.S. sanctions," the German Foreign Minister assessed in a message disseminated via social media.
In this way, the highest official of German diplomacy indicated that he welcomes this decision with "satisfaction," which, in his opinion, represents "greater pressure to help end Russia's war."
The initiative backed by the House of Representatives expands the powers of the President of the United States regarding tariffs, allowing him to raise tariffs up to 100% of the value of all goods imported from any country that ranks among the top five buyers of crude oil or natural gas from Russian origin.