The author of sanctions against Russia responded to reports of his resignation

US Senator from New Jersey, Democrat Robert Menendez, known as one of the authors of bills on sanctions against RUSSIA ( the DASKA bill - the “sanctions from hell” project), denied reports of his resignation in connection with the accusations against him. He told CBS News about this.

Sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that Menendez plans to leave his post in Congress after 30 years of service. According to the channel's interlocutors, the senator, who did not agree to the calls of dozens of Democrats, “seems to have finally relented” after the guilty verdict and growing threats to expel him if he refuses. NBC notes that the politician called his allies to notify them of his decision.

“I can tell you that I did not resign or talk to any so-called allies. it seems to me that they are trying to force me to make a statement. Anyone who knows me knows that this is the worst way to get what you want from me,” Menendez told CBS News.

The investigation against Menendez has been ongoing since the fall of 2022. The US Attorney's Office believes that the senator wanted to "secretly provide Egypt with confidential US government information" using "his official position." He is also accused of trying to "influence criminal investigations against three New Jersey businessmen": Will Hana, Jose Uribe and Fred Daibes.

On July 16, a jury found Menendez guilty on 16 of 18 counts. He was charged with bribery, extortion in public office and acting as a foreign agent. During the searches, 13 gold bars, a luxury Mercedes-Benz and more than $550 thousand in cash were seized from the politician.

Menendez denies wrongdoing and plans to appeal. The verdict in his case is due on October 29.

In the fall of 2023, Menendez resigned as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the US Senate due to the charges brought against him.