January 22, 2026
World
World
TOKYO, Jan 22 — Japan has halted the restart of the world’s largest nuclear power plant just hours after it began, though the reactor remains “stable,” the operator said.
WASHINGTON, July 14 — U.S. senators have unveiled a bipartisan bill that would grant President Donald Trump sweeping authority to impose harsh sanctions on Russia, just ahead of a scheduled visit to Ukraine by U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg.
As tensions rise between Washington and Moscow, Trump has signaled openness to the proposed sanctions package, especially amid growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, speaking to CBS News, said the bill is gaining strong support in the Senate and would empower Trump to target Russia’s economy and any countries supporting its war efforts.
“This gives President Trump the tools to hit Putin’s economy hard, and punish those who enable his war machine,” Graham said.
Trump, increasingly critical of Putin over continued missile strikes on Kyiv, has expressed disappointment with the Russian leader and hinted that he may soon take tougher action. After months of attempting diplomacy, Trump recently told reporters that Putin was “talking a lot of bullshit” regarding Ukraine.
Last week, Trump approved additional military support for Ukraine, including through a NATO-facilitated weapons deal involving U.S.-made arms.
While Trump has not committed to enacting the sanctions, he acknowledged their significance. “It’s a very major and very biting sanctions bill. Whether or not I use it is something I’m considering very strongly,” he told NBC.
According to Graham, the legislation would also authorize Trump to impose tariffs of up to 500% on countries aiding Russia—potentially impacting nations such as China, India, and Brazil.
“This is a real sledgehammer that could help bring an end to the war,” Graham said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the initiative, calling it a powerful form of leverage that could help move peace efforts forward.
Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal are set to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday to discuss the sanctions and the complex legal process of unlocking frozen Russian assets in both Europe and the U.S.
Blumenthal noted that $5 billion in U.S.-held Russian assets could be redirected to support Ukraine, adding, “It’s time to act.” — AFP
