Blumenthal urges US businesses to press Congress, Trump for stronger pressure on Russia

U.S. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on American businesses in Ukraine to raise their voices more forcefully against Russia to President Donald Trump and Congress, in order to demonstrate American strength and persuade the Russian leader to engage in peace talks. This statement was made during a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent.

Blumenthal revealed that approximately half of all U.S. businesses operating in Ukraine have suffered significant damage due to Russian missile or drone attacks. He expressed outrage that these businesses had been deliberately targeted by Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that these incidents were not accidents but intentional attacks aimed at causing millions of dollars in losses.

The senator stressed that these attacks demonstrated a total disregard for international law and basic morality. Blumenthal hoped that American companies would speak out more forcefully to the U.S. president and Congress about the need for the U.S. to demonstrate its strength in order to pressure Putin into negotiations and bring an end to the war.

He also noted that Putin is believed to respond only to force, and described the sanctions bill he introduced alongside Lindsey Graham as a potent tool capable of exerting the type of pressure the Russian leader understands.