Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) has delivered a powerful warning to President Donald Trump: if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to end his brutal war in Ukraine, Trump must be ready to impose “bone-crushing” sanctions to cripple Moscow’s economy and cut off its funding.
Trump’s Track Record of Strength Against America’s Enemies
Graham pointed to President Trump’s proven history of keeping his word when it comes to defending America and its allies. He recalled how Trump gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum to dismantle its dangerous nuclear program. When Tehran refused, Trump greenlit Israel’s strikes and deployed U.S. stealth bombers to wipe out hardened Iranian nuclear sites. The result: Iran’s nuclear ambitions were set back years, America’s enemies were shocked, and the world learned Trump’s foreign policy was based on strength, not empty talk.
Graham: Trump is “The Quarterback” on Russia and NATO
Now, as Ukraine marks 34 years of independence, Graham says Putin is testing the West—and Trump is once again the key player. “Trump is the quarterback,” Graham said. “He’s calling the plays on how to deal with Putin. I’m working to give him the tools he needs to bring this war to an end.”
The senator revealed that he already has 85 co-sponsors in the Senate and 100 in the House, including Speaker Mike Johnson, backing a sanctions package that would:
- Cut off Russia’s oil sales to China and other nations.
- Devastate Russia’s ability to fund its military.
- Increase American leverage to force Putin to negotiate.
This is one of the rare issues where Republicans and Democrats actually agree: Putin must be stopped.
NATO Finally Stepping Up Under Trump’s Leadership
For decades, U.S. taxpayers carried the defense burden for Europe. But Graham emphasized that under Trump, NATO allies have now pledged to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP—a dramatic increase after years of neglect.
This shift means more weapons for Ukraine, stronger deterrence against Russia, and even discussions of NATO troops on the ground if necessary. Graham also suggested that Trump may soon allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian targets—an aggressive move that could force Putin into serious concessions.
“Peace Through Strength” Strategy Working Again
Graham’s bottom line is simple: Putin only understands pressure, and Trump is the leader with the courage to apply it. “The only way to stop this war and the killing is to make Russia realize it cannot win,” Graham said.
For Americans over 50 who lived through Ronald Reagan’s fight against the “Evil Empire,” Trump’s approach feels familiar: peace through strength, accountability for NATO, and unwavering support for allies without letting America get dragged into endless wars.
Final Word: Trump Holds the Leverage
With bipartisan backing in Congress, international pressure mounting, and NATO spending rising, Graham believes Trump has the leverage to bring Putin to heel. The question is not whether Trump will act—but how far he’s willing to go to secure peace, protect NATO, and remind the world that America is still the leader of the free world.