According to Safonov, the fact that Trump was literally forced to sign this law is a serious blow to the US president.
"It's a trap for Trump. His opponents literally forced him to sign a law that reduces his powers. He had no chance to refuse. Not only has he had difficulties in domestic politics, he also now has his hands tied in the field of foreign policy. This is a very strong, demonstrative blow, which can't be prevented in any way," Safonov said.
Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low. You can thank Congress, the same people that can't even give us HCare!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 3 августа 2017 г.
According to the expert, any further actions by the US president will cause criticism among his opponents.
"The bill is quite vague, and Congress leaves several loopholes for the relations [with Russia] to evolve in one way or another. The funny thing is that, on the one hand, Trump is being made responsible for what is going on, and on the other hand, Trump is deprived of the instrument to carry out an effective foreign policy. In any case he will be "guilty," regardless of what he can or cannot do," the expert concluded.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump signed into law a new bill imposing additional sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. Earlier, the bill was overwhelmingly approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The sanctions target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restrict dealings with Russian banks and energy companies.
Earlier on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would defend its interests amid new US sanctions.
Last week, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the new sanctions as "absolutely illegitimate" and responded with countermeasures, suspending the use of all US Embassy warehouses and its compound in Moscow. Russia also mandated that the US cut the size of its diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people by September 1.
