Heinrich backs bipartisan bill to increase sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war

The New Mexico senator joins colleagues in pushing legislation aimed at pressuring Russia to negotiate a peace deal

Organ Mountain News report

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce new legislation that would impose sweeping sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine.

The bill, introduced with Sens. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., would allow for both primary and secondary sanctions targeting Russian entities and international actors supporting Russia’s military aggression.

“We are sending a clear message to Vladimir Putin with this bill: You reap what you sow,” Heinrich said in a statement. “Work to achieve peace with Ukraine or face the consequences.”

Ukrainian officials recently expressed willingness to consider a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. Russia rejected the offer and has continued launching attacks, including strikes on civilian areas.

Heinrich, a member of both the Senate Intelligence and Appropriations Committees, has been a consistent supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion in 2022. In the past year, he:

• Helped secure $300 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative in the fiscal year 2024 defense spending bill
• Supported a national security aid package in February aimed at bolstering U.S. support for Ukraine
• Attempted to amend a Republican budget resolution to include continued Ukraine funding, though the effort was blocked

In January, Heinrich also met with Ukrainian families who had relocated to Farmington after fleeing the war.