Trump Signs Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law

US President Donald Trump signed sweeping new sanctions legislation Friday aimed at cutting Russia’s war revenues, including authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, financial institutions, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as networks helping Moscow evade existing sanctions.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The Trump administration had formally backed the legislation, saying it would strengthen Washington’s ability to pressure Russia toward ending its war against Ukraine. The House approved the bill 262-159 on Wednesday after the Senate passed it 86-11 in August. Up to 100% tariffs on Russian energy buyers The law gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries among the largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. China and India, two major buyers of Russian energy, could be among those affected. The tariffs are not automatic, however, and the legislation gives the president discretion over their application and waivers. The sanctions are designed to reduce energy revenues that Moscow uses to finance its war against Ukraine. The legislation also targets Russia’s so-called shadow fleet – tankers and related networks used to move Russian oil while circumventing Western restrictions. China and India face pressure The tariff authority significantly increases potential pressure on Beijing and New Delhi over continued purchases of Russian energy. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky: Over 50 Carpathian Deals Worth €1B Prepared for Signing President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Carpathians could supply energy to the EU and support Europe’s push for independence from Russian energy. China has rejected unilateral sanctions targeting its trade with Russia, while India has said it will continue prioritizing its energy security and diversified sourcing. India had already reduced some Russian oil purchases earlier this year following pressure from Washington, though Russian crude remains important to its refiners. Zelensky welcomed tougher pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed congressional passage of the legislation this week, saying stronger sanctions could help force Moscow toward peace. “Lindsey Graham’s bill and other strong sanctions steps by partners against the source of this war, against Russia, constitute an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war,” Zelensky said after the House vote. Zelensky had repeatedly urged US lawmakers to advance the legislation, arguing that stronger economic pressure should accompany Ukraine’s military resistance and diplomatic efforts. The legislation is named after the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Ukraine who spent more than a year building bipartisan support for tougher sanctions on Russia before his death in July. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.