WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Trump expressed skepticism about approving a bipartisan sanctions bill aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia to halt its violent conflict in Ukraine.

“I’m not sure we need it,” Trump quipped during an Oval Office meeting with NATO boss Mark Rutte. “It could be very useful, we will have to see.”

The bill, introduced in the Senate by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), proposes implementing 500% tariffs on imports of Russian energy, which include uranium, gas, and oil.

“After a point, 500% kind of loses significance because it might not make a difference,” the president stated. “I’m uncertain about the final outcome they’ll reach.”

The measure is intended to squeeze Russia at a time when Moscow’s economy minister has warned that the country is at risk of facing a recession.

Trump’s team has been negotiating with the Senate over details of the package, pressing for more flexibility for the president to potentially waive the tariffs during negotiations with the Russians.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) was scheduled to meet with Trump later Monday to discuss the pending measure.