Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) took aim at President Donald Trump's Russia policy on Tuesday, accusing him of failing to take a tough stance against Moscow as lawmakers prepared to vote on new sanctions designed to weaken Russia's ability to sustain its war in Ukraine.
"Instead of standing with Ukraine, Trump has tried and failed to pander to Russia," Schumer said. He added, "Today, the Senate will vote to establish significant new sanctions to truly cripple the Russian war effort."
The criticism comes as the Senate gears up for a vote on additional economic measures against Russia, a move Schumer argues is necessary to increase pressure on Moscow.
Trump Rejects Russia-Iran Intelligence Claim
On Monday, President Trump dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that Russia shared intelligence on U.S. military bases with Iran, saying he did not believe Moscow was providing significant intelligence support to Tehran.
Trump is scheduled to meet separately with Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Discussions are expected to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran, Lebanon negotiations, and expanding the Abraham Accords. A White House official said it was "time to end the war" in Ukraine.
Ukraine War Talks Face New Tensions
Trump had earlier spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a possible Ukraine peace deal. The Kremlin called the conversation constructive while reiterating its demand for a diplomatic settlement based on its position.
Russia and Ukraine continued trading accusations over the conflict. Moscow claimed battlefield advances and accused Kyiv and European allies of escalating tensions. Zelenskyy rejected Russia's claim that it captured Kostiantynivka, calling it "another Russian lie," and challenged Putin to meet him there. The Kremlin declined, maintaining that Moscow had invited Zelenskyy to meet Putin in Russia.
Last month, Russian officials criticized the U.S. over stalled diplomacy following the 2025 Alaska summit, accusing Washington of failing to follow through on agreements while saying Moscow remained open to continued talks.
