Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is calling for crippling sanctions after Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would recognize the independence of break-away regions of Ukraine.
In a series of tweets on Monday, Graham wrote, “When it comes to thugs like Putin disrupting world order and destroying democracies – enough is enough.”
“Putin’s decision to declare eastern Donetsk and Luhansk as independent regions within Ukraine is both a violation of the Minsk Agreements and a declaration of war against the people of Ukraine,” he continued.
Finally, Graham added, “His decision should immediately be met with forceful sanctions to destroy the ruble and crush the Russian oil and gas sector.”
When it comes to thugs like Putin disrupting world order and destroying democracies – enough is enough.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) February 21, 2022
On Monday, Putin announced that he will recognize the independence of two break-away regions in eastern Ukraine.
As NPR notes, “Putin’s declaration names the regions the Luhansk People’s Republic and the Donetsk People’s Republic. Both are unrecognized territories carved out by Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas region of east Ukraine after fighting broke out there with Ukrainian government forces in 2014.”
The decision comes amid heightened tensions with the West amid concerns that Russia is planning to invade Ukraine. Putin has previously claimed that Ukraine is committing “genocide” and said he might send troops to allegedly save Russian citizens in those regions.
There is no evidence that Ukraine is committing genocide.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, “We have anticipated a move like this from Russia and are ready to respond immediately. President Biden will soon issue an Executive Order that will prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine.”
“To be clear: these measures are separate from and would be in addition to the swift and severe economic measures we have been preparing in coordination with Allies and partners should Russia further invade Ukraine,” she added.
The Biden administration has vowed to impose “severe” sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine.
