U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia, aimed at pressuring the country to end its war with Ukraine. The bill, known as the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, was passed by the House of Representatives in a bipartisan 262-159 vote and cleared the Senate earlier in August. The law grants Trump broad authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, as well as those aiding Moscow in evading existing sanctions.
Trump Signs Bill Imposing Sanctions on Russia
Provisions and Controversies
The legislation targets Russian political and military officials, foreign networks supporting its war efforts, and entities involved in energy exports. It specifically addresses Russia’s shadow tankers,
which facilitate crude oil shipments despite sanctions. The bill also authorizes Trump to sanction the five largest buyers of Russian energy products and the five countries most involved in circumventing energy restrictions. Critics, including some Democrats, argue the law gives the president excessive power to impose tariffs, which he has previously done despite a 2020 Supreme Court ruling limiting such actions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The measure, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July, includes provisions to extend sanctions against Iran until 2031. It also imposes penalties on Russian state-owned companies like Gazprombank and Sberbank, as well as the Central Bank of Russia. Countries importing less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas and actively reducing those imports are exempt from tariffs, with the targeted list reviewed every 180 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the law, stating, The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly.
However, the Kremlin warned the sanctions would complicate peace efforts, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling them unfriendly actions.
The legislation has drawn particular attention due to its potential to strain U.S. trade relations with major Russian energy buyers like China and India.