Biden administration strengthens legal protections for sanctions against Russia

This means newly elected President Donald Trump will mostly be unable to lift sanctions on Russia on his own.

The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel highlights that even if the president proposes removing a subject from the sanctions list, the decision will be delayed for 30 days to allow for review and hearings in Congress.

Also, new powers will allow lawmakers to block any quick attempts by the new White House to lift sanctions unilaterally. If both chambers of Congress pass a "disapproval measure," the sanctions removal can be fully blocked.

Given the slim Republican majority and strong support for Ukraine, it’s unlikely the president could lift sanctions alone. 

Resurgam mentioned that criticism of attempts to ease sanctions will last at least 30 days, allowing opponents time to prepare hearings and organize opposition.

The new sanctions system will also impose secondary sanctions on entities violating primary sanctions. If the administration fails to apply these, Congress may initiate investigations or lawsuits for non-compliance.

• Advisers to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump now admit that resolving the war in Ukraine will take months, undermining his earlier promise to strike a peace deal on his first day in office.