Pressure is growing in Washington for new sanctions to be placed on Russia in order to push Moscow to wind down the war in Ukraine.

The Republican leader of the U.S. Senate said on Monday the chamber could begin work this month on a bill imposing stiff sanctions on Russia - and secondary sanctions on countries that trade with Russia - over its war in Ukraine.

Senators in both parties are itching to move a bipartisan Russia sanctions package as fighting escalates in the region, but Republicans are waiting on a green light from President Trump. The effort to pass a robust sanctions package is hitting high gear.