The original draft proposed a 500 percent tariff on imports of Russian energy, Horodnytskyi told 24tv. The current version only provides for 100 percent. In addition, the bill contains numerous safeguard clauses that give Donald Trump broad discretion: he can impose, suspend, or completely lift sanctions.
Horodnytskyi pointed to Trump’s handling of sanctions against the Russian oil company Lukoil. Trump initially imposed the punitive measures but then postponed them several times. “In effect, they are not in force at the moment,” the expert said. He doubts the bill will bring a breakthrough. Trump publicly supports the draft to improve his image.
In contrast, Svitlana Romanko, director of the Razom We Stand, stressed that even the weakened version would have tangible consequences for Russia. The key factor is passage by Congress.
Source: 24tv.ua
