Lindsey Graham Threatens Putin After Meeting with Zelensky Nine Times [WATCH]

As President Donald Trump continues efforts to negotiate an end to ongoing global conflicts, two U.S. senators—Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)—traveled to Kyiv on Friday to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discuss new legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and its allies.

Lindsey Graham lives an hour and half away from me.

He has YET to visit us in Western North Carolina a single time after Hurricane Helene.

He has flown to Ukraine 9 times. pic.twitter.com/QVEz7LQjLg

— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) May 31, 2025

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According to a statement from Zelenskyy’s office, the meeting focused on strengthening U.S.-Ukraine bilateral ties, enhancing sanctions against Russia, and aligning diplomatic strategies to pursue what officials called a “just and lasting peace.”

The visit by Graham and Blumenthal comes just ahead of a scheduled vote in the U.S. Senate on a sweeping Russian sanctions package.

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Following the meeting, both senators participated in a press conference, where Sen. Graham delivered forceful remarks targeting both the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China.

“The game that Putin has been playing is about to change,” Graham said.

“He is going to be hit and hit hard by the United States when it comes to sanctions!”

Graham then turned to Beijing’s ongoing economic support for Russia, issuing a direct warning to Chinese leadership.

“China, the game you are playing with Russia is about to change!” Graham said.

“If you keep buying cheap Russian oil to keep filling Putin’s war machine, there’ll be a 500% tariff on all of your products!”

NEW:

🇺🇲🇷🇺 The US plans to blackmail the entire world with tariffs if they trade with Russia

Lindsey Graham and Blumenthal announced 500% tariff on everyone who is going to buy oil from Russia

Especially China and India.

Multiple US media outlets have already reported that the… pic.twitter.com/BYjzyo58lR

— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) May 31, 2025

The proposed legislation, supported by Graham and Blumenthal, would authorize severe economic penalties on the Russian economy, targeting sectors that continue to support the war effort in Ukraine.

It would also impose secondary sanctions on countries, including China, that engage in trade with sanctioned Russian entities—particularly those involved in energy exports.

The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation in the coming week, as confirmed by U.S. officials and Senate leadership.

While the bill is largely seen as having bipartisan support, debate continues over its broader geopolitical consequences.

If passed and fully implemented, the sanctions could have far-reaching effects. Analysts note that a 500% tariff on Chinese goods could disrupt global supply chains and significantly escalate trade tensions with Beijing.

Similarly, expanded sanctions on Russia could further isolate the Kremlin but may prompt retaliatory measures.

President Trump has not commented publicly on the new sanctions bill, though members of his administration have indicated that the president remains focused on diplomacy and avoiding escalation.

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in finding a resolution to the war in Ukraine and has sought to open backchannel communications to reduce tensions with Moscow and Beijing.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for continued U.S. support.

“We are thankful for the solidarity of the United States and for its continued assistance in our fight for sovereignty and peace,” Zelenskyy said in a prepared statement released after the meeting.

Sen. Blumenthal also addressed reporters in Kyiv, voicing his support for stronger sanctions.

“This is about standing up to aggression and making it clear that nations who violate international norms will face consequences,” he said.

Graham’s comments mark one of the strongest public warnings issued by a U.S. lawmaker toward China since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

His remarks are likely to be closely watched by both Russian and Chinese officials, who have previously condemned Western sanctions and accused the United States of provoking instability.

The meeting and press conference occurred amid increasing calls from within the international community for a negotiated end to the war, even as military operations on the ground continue.

President Trump’s administration has emphasized the importance of avoiding broader conflict while pursuing a stable and lasting peace.

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