Ratcheting up pressure on Russia, the US Congress on Thursday voted to end normal trade relations with Moscow over the invasion of Ukraine. Through the legislation, US President Joe Biden can inflict steep hikes on imports such as steel and aluminum products from both Russia and its ally Belarus. According to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, "Russian President Vladimir Putin must absolutely be held accountable for the detestable, despicable war crimes he is committing against Ukraine: the images we have seen coming out of that country... are just pure evil."