GOP Senator Urges Trump to Confront Russia

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, publicly urged President Donald Trump to respond to Russia’s intensified attacks on Ukraine, calling for at least sanctions following what Kyiv reports as Russia’s largest aerial assault to date. In a Monday post on X (formerly Twitter), Grassley expressed his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions, writing, “I’ve had enough of Putin killing innocent people. Pres Trump Take action AT LEAST SANCTIONS.”

The call for action comes amidst escalating conflict, with Ukrainian air forces reporting the launch of 355 drones and nine cruise missiles by Russia between Sunday and Monday morning. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) recently indicated the U.S. Senate is prepared to consider further sanctions against Russia, stating the Senate has a responsibility to help end the war.

President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform over the weekend, criticized Putin’s recent behavior, describing him as having “gone absolutely crazy” and needlessly causing casualties. A spokesperson for Putin defended the attacks, claiming they were “necessary for the security” of Russia.

The increasing pressure from within Trump’s own party highlights a growing divide regarding the appropriate U.S. response to the ongoing conflict. While Trump’s public criticism of Putin is notable, the calls for concrete action – specifically sanctions – from influential senators like Grassley and Graham suggest a desire for a more assertive stance than has been publicly demonstrated. The situation underscores the complex political calculations at play as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate, and the U.S. grapples with its role in addressing the crisis.