Trump ready to support tougher sanctions against Russia on one condition – Reuters

President Donald Trump is ready to sign a bill imposing sanctions on Russia if the document stipulates that he retains ultimate decision-making authority over any such measures.

A senior White House official reported this to Reuters, Ukrinform writes.

"It's always been important to the White House and the President that there's a carve-out in the sanctions package that ensures the President has the ultimate decision-making authority on the sanctions. So as long as that is included, I think the President would entertain signing the bill," the official said.

The reference is to a draft law authored by Senator Lindsey Graham and U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, both Republicans, that would impose sanctions on countries doing business with Russia, including buyers of its oil and gas. Senate and House leaders have postponed a vote on the bill due to Trump’s concerns about its content.

"He would sign it. He signaled that last night,” the White House official said, referring to the President’s comments supporting the legislative initiative.

He added that the White House is continuing negotiations with Moscow on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.

"We're definitely still working it. It just hasn't been the center of the news because we have so much going on," the official explained.

As reported by Ukrinform, earlier, Trump stated that Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are continuing to work on draft bills that would enable the imposition of strict sanctions on any country doing business with Russia.