Lawmakers push Kerry to ratchet up sanctions against Russia

A bipartisan group of 10 Senate lawmakers on Friday urged Secretary of State John Kerry to tighten international sanctions against Russia and provide weapons to Ukraine’s military.

The lawmakers argued that Moscow had violated a cease-fire signed earlier this month.

“Not surprisingly, Russian-backed forces continued their brazen military offensive against thousands of besieged Ukrainian forces in Debaltseve, laying bare any remaining pretense that Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to abide by any cease fire agreement or follow well-established international norms of behavior,” the group wrote.

“As such, we urge the immediate tightening of international sanctions against Russia and the provision of defensive weapons to Ukraine so that it can defend its territorial sovereignty,” they added.

Six Republicans — Sens. John McCain (Ariz.), Rob Portman (Ohio), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Mark Kirk (Ill.), Pat Toomey (Pa.) and Kelly Ayotte (N.H.) — signed the missive.

There were joined by four Democrats — Sens. Dick Durbin (Ill.), Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.) and Bill Nelson (Fla.).

The letter is the latest move by lawmakers to pressure the administration to get tougher on Russia. President Obama has so far declined to provide weapons to Kiev.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Friday threatened additional “costs” should Russian-backed separatists not abide by the latest cease-fire agreement but said any decision would made in concert with European allies.