February 3, 2022

Senators in both parties emerged from a Thursday classified briefing on Russia’s aggression toward Ukraine with fresh doubts about whether a legislative response could come together in time to deter an invasion.

While upper-chamber negotiators insist they are close to an agreement on a bill to sanction Moscow and boost U.S. support for Kyiv, the briefing from top Biden administration officials — while designed to heighten lawmakers’ sense of urgency — left some concerned that the talks are moving at too glacial a pace.

“I’m concerned that Mr. Putin’s timetable is different than ours. And he may well move before we can get this done,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who has been deeply involved in the effort. “We’re trying to encourage the administration to take appropriate steps, but right now Ukraine is over-matched in a dramatic way by the Russian capabilities.”

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https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/03/russia-invasion-ukraine-senators-sanctions-00005401