The Russia sanctions bill, explained: ‘Putin is kind of giving up hope’

U.S. relations with Russia were at an all-time low during the last few months of President Obama’s administration. The Trump administration signaled that it hoped for better relations with the Kremlin.

But tensions have only gotten worse.

Congress overwhelmingly approved a bill last week to impose new sanctions against Russia, which the White House has said the president will sign. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Sunday that the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia would have to dramatically cut its staff.

Here is a look at the new sanctions bill and what Russia’s response means for relations between the two powers.