WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement on a potential meeting between President Trump and President Putin.
“Given President Trump's record of face-to-face meetings with President Putin, I have real concerns that Putin will see this as a reward and another opportunity to further prolong the war instead of finally seeking peace. Face-to-face dialogue is important, but Putin cannot be allowed yet another opportunity to delay or water down President Trump's promise of harsh sanctions taking effect tomorrow."
"It's time for President Trump to finally get tough on the Kremlin and use his leverage to end this war. Applying pressure on India to stem Russia's oil revenue is a welcome move, but pressure must be applied to the direct perpetrator -- the Kremlin -- who has avoided new sanctions under this administration. President Trump's decision to let our existing sanctions atrophy has given Russia time and space to evade our sanctions regime and has weakened our leverage at the negotiating table. The President's reluctance to sanction China for its support of Putin further exacerbates this problem. President Trump must finally show Putin he means business. Anything short of stiff consequences will be another sign of weakness from this White House."