Pressure mounting on reluctant Trump to impose sanctions on Russia [Video]

Some Republicans in Congress and White House advisers are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to finally embrace new sanctions on Moscow as frustration mounts over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military assault on Ukraine.

Trump has held off on such penalties for months, believing he could have fruitful dealings with Putin to end the war and considering sanctions in general to be overused and often ineffective.

White House officials say Trump still hopes to develop an economic partnership with Russia. He sees sanctions as an escalation in tensions with Moscow that could derail hopes of a ceasefire in the three-year-old conflict.

But his frustration with Putin is genuine and increasingly severe, according to aides. They said he is giving sanctions serious consideration after Russia escalated its attacks in recent days.

“He is always looking at different ways to apply pressure,” a senior White House official said. “This is no different. He’s always weighing his …