In a massive show of bipartisanship, 86 senators voted to move forward with a Russia and Iran sanctions bill that had been championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham . Why it matters: The vote came hours after senators gathered to honor Graham's memory, and immediately following a closed-door meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy . - The vote was 86-12. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to vote against it. - It is a procedural vote, but leadership hopes that the strong bipartisan support will allow for an expedited path to final passage. The details: The bill had been led by Graham and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and reached more than 60 co-sponsors this month. - The legislation would impose 100%…
Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that European states must begin direct talks with Russia, given that the current policy of the United States towards the war in Ukraine no longer corresponds to Europe’s strategic interests. [...]
European countries are developing a contingency plan to maintain NATO's defense capabilities without U.S. involvement should President Donald J. Trump withdraw American forces from Europe following the alliance's lack of support for the U.S. during the war in Iran. The post Europe Scrambles To Build ‘Plan B’ NATO. appeared first on The National Pulse .
European nations are advancing a plan to bolster NATO’s defense capabilities independently, amid fears of a potential U.S. withdrawal under President Donald J. Trump . PULSE POINTS WHAT HAPPENED: European countries are developing a contingency plan to maintain NATO’s defense capabilities without U.S. involvement should President Donald J. Trump withdraw American forces from Europe following the alliance’s lack of support for the U.S. during the war in Iran. Several European countries, including Britain, Spain, and Italy , obstructed the use of bases on their territory to assist operations against Iran, angering President Donald J. Trump. DETAIL: The emerging “European NATO” concept focuses on shifting leadership, boosting…Open