Zelensky calls on Trump to use Graham Sanctions Act against Russia says hes ready to talk with Putin

UNITED NATIONS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged President Trump on Tuesday to use the tariff authorities in late-Sen.Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill and insisted that he’s “ready” to meet with Vladimir Putin in an effort to bring about an end to the war. “I’m very thankful to the Americans,” Zelensky said of the sanctions legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the president last week.   “I hope the president will use this instrument,” the Ukrainian leader told reporters, after meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The new law allows the Trump administration to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on the largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. In his speech at the gathering of diplomats and world leaders, Trump indicated that he’s open to using his new tariff powers – which could hit China and India hard –  “if necessary.” “Last week, in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, I signed a powerful new law passed by Congress, providing me with enormous new tariff authorities,” Trump said in his UN speech.

“And, if necessary, I will have to use them.” Zelensky also declared that he’s “ready” to meet with Putin face-to-face as part of potential US-led trilateral discussions with Russia.  “I’m ready … I’m ready anytime,” he said, adding that the three sides “need to move as quick as possible.”  Zelensky said his willingness to sit down with the Russian strongman, who has previously rebuffed overtures for a face-to-face meeting  – should serve as a signal that he’s ready to negotiate an end to the bloody conflict. “You’re ready to speak or not? You’re ready to sit and negotiate? This is a signal.And you hear from Ukraine, ‘Yes’ … and we don’t hear from Russia,” he told reporters.   Trump’s meeting with Zelensky – one of several the president is taking on the sidelines of the UN s...