A significant legislative move is underway in the United States Senate as a new bill imposing stringent sanctions on Russia gains traction, backed by President Donald Trump's newfound support. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the chief architect of the bill, confirmed on Tuesday that the President is ready to advance the legislation.

“We’re moving,” Graham disclosed, shortly after a conversation with Trump. “He told me it's time to move so we’re going to move.” This development marks a pivotal shift in the administration's stance towards Russia, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions.

The bill, which had been at a standstill, is now expected to see movement on the Senate floor later this month, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other key Republican senators hinting at a forthcoming scheduling announcement. The renewed push follows President Trump’s public expression of frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to engage in peace negotiations with Ukraine.

In an effort to align the bill more closely with the White House’s preferences, Senators Graham and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) have amended the legislation to include expanded presidential waiver authority. This modification would allow the President to temporarily waive sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil or uranium, with a possible extension period that would subsequently require Congressional approval.

“I'm confident the president is ready for us to act,” Graham stated, signaling a robust bipartisan effort to bring the bill to fruition. However, a White House spokesperson, while declining to comment directly on Graham's statements, referred back to Trump’s earlier comments which hinted at his administration’s evolving policy stance towards Russia.

Despite the anticipation surrounding the bill, insiders privy to the Senate’s schedule suggest that the bill will not be debated on the floor this week. Nonetheless, Senator Thune assured reporters that there is substantial interest in pushing the bill forward and that more details regarding its timing and specifics would be shared later in the week.

This legislative development comes at a critical time when international relations with Russia are increasingly fraught, and it represents a significant shift in the U.S. legislative approach towards one of its most significant geopolitical challengers.