U.S. lawmakers say latest Russia sanctions too mild, want more

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Senior U.S. Republican lawmakers said on Monday the latest sanctions imposed on Russian individuals and companies are too mild to deter Moscow from further action in Ukraine and promised legislation to pressure the Obama administration to take stronger action. Tennessee Senator Bob Corker, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, called the new sanctions "just a slap on the wrist." "Until Putin feels the real pain of sanctions targeting entities like Gazprom, which the Kremlin uses to coerce Ukraine and other neighbors, as well as some significant financial institutions, I don't think diplomacy will change Russian behavior and de-escalate this crisis," Corker said in a statement. His fellow Republican, Indiana Senator Dan Coats, a former U.S. ambassador to Germany, said he was working with other senators on a series of tough diplomatic, economic and financial sanctions. "I am hopeful that President (Barack) Obama will support our effort.



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