Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is standing firmly with President Donald Trump, warning he will push for legislation branding Russia a state sponsor of terrorism if Vladimir Putin refuses to return thousands of kidnapped Ukrainian children.
Graham Issues Stern Warning to Russia
Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Graham declared, “I intend to push the return of these children until I can’t push anymore. If they do not return these children to Ukraine, I’m going to push legislation to make Russia a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law. That would make Russia radioactive.”
Graham stressed that no peace deal can be taken seriously without the safe return of Ukraine’s children.
Russia Accused of Kidnapping Thousands of Children
Reports reveal that Russia has abducted over 20,000 Ukrainian children, with some estimates reaching 35,000. Many of these children have been placed in Russian homes, stripped of their Ukrainian identity, and even forced into combat roles against their own country.
Kyiv officials argue the abductions are part of a long-term Kremlin strategy to erase Ukrainian culture and expand Moscow’s control.
Trump Prepares for High-Stakes Meeting With Putin
President Donald Trump will meet with Vladimir Putin this Friday in a high-stakes summit aimed at pursuing peace. The White House has emphasized that the mass abductions remain a “serious concern.”
First Lady Melania Trump also personally sent Putin a letter urging him to consider the devastating impact of war on children.
Graham praised Trump’s leadership, saying, “I can’t think of a better person to be in the room with Putin than President Trump.”
Sanctions and Tariffs on the Table
Graham has joined Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) on a bipartisan sanctions bill with over 85 co-sponsors, designed to crush Russia’s fossil fuel economy if Putin continues the war.
But President Trump has signaled he is prepared to act alone—considering secondary tariffs and sanctions on Russia without waiting for Congress.
“The way to end this war is to make Russia believe that, if they don’t stop, we’re going to destroy their fossil fuel economy,” Graham warned.
Trump to Host Zelensky and European Allies
After his meeting with Putin, Trump will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House, along with European leaders backing Ukraine.
Graham said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the chances of Trump negotiating an end to the war—but warned that real peace requires Russia to return the kidnapped children.