The US is preparing new sanctions against Russia – 500 percent duties for buyers of its raw materials

72 US senators have backed "crushing" sanctions against Russia. They are proposed to be introduced if Moscow refuses peace talks, said one of the authors of the bill, Republican Lindsey Graham, Bloomberg reports.

The draft law provides for duties of 500% on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas or uranium, and also includes a ban on US financial institutions investing in organizations associated with the Russian government, and on US citizens purchasing Russian government bonds, the agency clarifies.

"I want to see a negotiated end to the war, fair and square. I think Trump is the best person to achieve that. But these sanctions reflect the Senate's view that Russia is the bad guy," Bloomberg quotes Graham as saying.

Those who supported the bill include Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, The Wall Street Journal notes.