Senate Republican Leader John Thune said that a bill to impose new US sanctions on Russia has been shelved in Congress, although it remains in President Donald Trump's arsenal.

"The sanctions bill remains a tool in President Trump's arsenal that he can use against the Russians to force them to the negotiating table," the senator told reporters."At least for now, we intend to press the pause button."

Thune noted that Senate Republicans are trying to work with the White House on the issue.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, known for his anti-Russian rhetoric, has introduced a sanctions bill that would impose 500% US tariffs on goods imported from countries that buy oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and uranium from Russia.