The media reported on the intensification of calls for sanctions against Russia in the United States after the talks

Lawmakers in the United States have increased pressure on Congress to approve new sanctions against Russia after talks between Moscow and Kiev in Istanbul. This was reported by the Reuters news agency on May 16.

According to the agency, the senators stated that there was insufficient progress in the negotiations on a ceasefire and again turned to the idea of tightening restrictive measures.

According to published data, 73 out of 100 senators support the bill on sanctions against Russia in the Senate. At least 28 out of 435 congressmen expressed support in the House of Representatives.

The draft law provides for the introduction of both primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and its trading partners. The document also provides for the introduction of import duties of up to 500% on goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other resources.

Step at the meeting: the results of the first negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in three years

The first round of contacts took place in Istanbul — what's next

On May 16, the Russian and Ukrainian delegations at the talks agreed to present their vision of a cease-fire and to exchange prisoners of war in the 1,000-by-1,000 format.

On the same day, US President Donald Trump said he did not rule out imposing sanctions against Russia "if necessary," but would prefer to avoid such measures.