The Republican leader of the U.S. Senate said on Monday the chamber could begin work this month on a bill imposing stiff sanctions on Russia - and secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia - over its war in Ukraine.

Pressure is growing in Washington for new sanctions to be placed on Russia in order to push Moscow to wind down the war in Ukraine.

I would expect next week that the Senate will start moving the sanctions bill,” said Graham, an ally of President Trump but also a firm backer of Ukraine’s war efforts.