Bill imposing new sanctions on Russia tabled in U.S. Senate

The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Bob Menendez on Wednesday, February 13, an Ukrinform correspondent said.

"Putin's actions cannot be tolerated, and the consequences of inaction are quickly compounding," Menendez said.

In this regard, he noted that the situation was getting worse in many aspects due to Russia's actions - from the further humanitarian disaster in Syria and regional instability to the kidnapping of Ukrainian sailors and seizure of ships, as well as the steady erosion of international norms.

"One thing is increasingly clear: Moscow will continue to push until it meets genuine resistance," Menendez said.

The new bill, the "Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act," known as DASKA, envisages strong support for NATO, including requiring a two-thirds majority in the Senate in order for the United States to leave the alliance. The document also proposes tightening sanctions on Moscow over its meddling in democratic processes abroad and ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The bill was also introduced by Republican Senator Cory Gardner and Democratic Senators Ben Cardin and Jeanne Shaheen.