Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions over Ukraine war

President Donald Trump has signed into law a comprehensive sanctions package targeting Russia over its war in Ukraine. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, imposes harsh measures on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, oligarchs, banks, and financial institutions, as well as the energy and defense sectors. A significant provision grants the President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas, primarily impacting China and India. The bill, which passed Congress with bipartisan support, aims to weaken Russia's war funding and encourage negotiations. This marks the first major Ukraine-related bill to pass Congress in over two years.

President Donald Trump has signed a comprehensive sanctions bill targeting Russia's economy, with a particular focus on major purchasers of its oil and gas. The legislation, named the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, grants the President authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian energy, notably China and India. The bill also extends sanctions to Iran's energy and weapons sectors, and includes measures against Russian President Vladimir Putin, government officials, financial institutions, and tankers used to bypass existing sanctions. Exceptions are provided for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and actively reducing their dependency. This action aims to impact Russia's financial capabilities and is described as a measure to "throttle Putin's war machine."

The US House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia, marking the first legislative support for Ukraine from Congress in over two years. The bill, which previously passed the Senate, grants the president new powers to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian energy, potentially restricting funds to Moscow. It also targets Russian officials, banks, and a fleet of tankers. While championed by some Republicans, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the bill, citing loopholes and concerns about its impact on US allies. The legislation aims to further isolate Russia economically due to its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The US Congress has passed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, granting President Trump expanded authority to impose sanctions on Russia and its enablers. The bill, which passed the House by a 262-159 vote, allows Trump to raise tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy, including China, and target entities supplying Russia's war machine. While supporters argue it's a crucial step to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine, some Democrats and Republicans expressed concerns that the president could wield this power against US allies. The legislation also mandates new sanctions on Russian officials and networks aiding evasion of existing sanctions, and targets Russia's "shadow tankers." The bill's passage followed a period of debate and last-minute hurdles in the House, despite prior Senate approval.

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation that could allow President Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. This move puts India, a major importer of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine invasion, in a difficult position. India relies heavily on Russian oil, which accounted for over half of its imports in July and 30.3% of its total crude imports in fiscal 2026. While India aims to ensure energy security for its population, the potential tariffs threaten its access to the US market, a significant trade partner. India is monitoring the situation and has communicated its concerns about the implications for bilateral relations and international energy markets.