Blumenthal Intends to 'Put an End' to Trump’s Ukraine Policy: Senator Prepares Bill on Military Aid and 'Hellish Sanctions'

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has publicly stated that the United States 'can and must' resume military aid to Ukraine as soon as possible while simultaneously increasing sanction pressure on Russia. The politician wrote about this on his social media account on X, which was noted by RBC-Ukraine. According to him, the results of the recent US elections have brought the issue of Ukrainian defense back to the center of public discussion, and he intends to 'seize this moment' to introduce a special bill in Congress that will unblock arms supplies previously halted at the initiative of President Donald Trump.

A 'Sledgehammer' Against Moscow: The Sanctions Bill

A key element of Blumenthal's initiative is a sanctions document originally drafted by Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away in 2025. Following a visit to Kyiv in August 2025, Blumenthal became a co-sponsor of this bill and, by his own admission, received instructions from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to 'actively promote' it in the American parliament. 'Number one is the sanctions bill against Russia,' the senator emphasized in an interview with CBS News. The document grants the US president the authority to set tariffs of up to 100% for major importers of Russian energy resources. Blumenthal had previously compared the proposed restrictions to a 'sledgehammer,' arguing that such a tool is capable of exerting real pressure on Moscow: 'Putin only understands strength.'

$15 Billion in Military Aid and the Air Defense Issue

In addition to the sanctions track, Blumenthal directly called to 'put an end to Trump’s abhorrent diesel fuel deal' and resume military support for Kyiv, primarily in the field of air defense. According to media reports, Democrats in Congress are preparing a military aid package for Ukraine totaling about $15 billion. The senator also demanded that the White House restore previously suspended restrictions against Moscow, which he called 'hellish sanctions,' and take additional measures 'to force Putin to the negotiating table for a real peace.'

Demand to Replace Negotiators and Control Over Starlink

A separate block of Blumenthal's statements concerns personnel decisions within the Trump administration. The senator demanded the replacement of the president's special representatives for Ukraine and Russia, citing a 'scandalous statement by Steve Witkoff,' who, according to the Democrat, called Vladimir Putin a 'humanist.' 'The US president needs new negotiators — not obedient puppets,' Blumenthal stated. Furthermore, he intends to seek congressional oversight over the use of Starlink and Starshield satellite systems, which, in his assessment, play a 'critical role' both for US national security and for their allies, particularly Ukraine.

Kyiv’s Expectations: Zelenskyy Relies on Large-Scale Support

The Ukrainian side, in turn, demonstrates optimism regarding the prospects of resuming and expanding American support. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly stated that he expects more substantial aid from the US following the Democrats' victory in the elections. Blumenthal's visit to Kyiv in August 2025, by his own account, served as a platform to coordinate priorities: the Ukrainian authorities designated the sanctions bill as the main item on the agenda, and the American senator took on the task of promoting the document in the House of Representatives. Thus, the internal political struggle in Congress between the Democrats and the Trump administration is turning into a key factor determining the volume and nature of further support for Kyiv.