US Congress passes sweeping Russia sanctions Bill

The United States Congress has passed a sweeping bill imposing sanctions on Russia following its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation, which received final approval from the Republican-led House of Representatives with a 262-159 vote, will now be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill targets Russia's energy, defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as the country's "shadow fleet" of tankers used to bypass Western sanctions.

Trump has indicated that he will sign the measure, having previously approved a similar package in the Senate with an 86-11 vote.

The legislation also grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including China and India. This measure aims to cut off revenue financing Moscow's war effort. However, the bill's tariff provisions have sparked an unusual split among Democrats, who have largely supported Ukraine but have been cautious about granting Trump increased trade authority.

Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, described the bill as "deeply flawed" and suggested he would support it if the secondary tariff provisions were removed. Despite opposition from a few Republicans, the bill passed after months of delay. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have urged Congress to pass the sanctions package, expressing hope that increased economic pressure could force Russia to negotiate a peace settlement.