Russia’s global fuel customers push back against US sanctions bill

The global reaction to the U.S. Congress' approved Russia sanctions bill has been immediate and resolute. Moscow has stated it would prolong its conflict in Ukraine, while India vows to safeguard its interests, and Beijing opposes the "illegal long-arm jurisdiction." The bill, awaiting President Donald Trump's signature, would impose mandatory sanctions on Russia's leadership, energy, defense, and its maritime fuel delivery system for embargoed petroleum.

It also grants Trump the authority to impose 100% sanctions on the five largest global consumers of Russian fuel. China, India, Turkey, and the EU are the top buyers of Russian crude, with China accounting for 50% of Russian crude exports since 2022 and the EU being the largest buyer of Russian LNG (49%) and pipeline gas (32%). The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said the bill's imposition would complicate peace talks in Ukraine.

India's foreign ministry warned of the bill's impact on its trade and economic relations with Washington, pledging to take necessary measures. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry spokesman, Guo Jiakun, asserted that Beijing's trade relations are not subject to interference. Critics argue the bill grants Trump too much discretion in waiving waivers for significant Russia supporters or targeting U.S. allies based on oil and gas purchases.

It remains unclear whether Trump will sign the bill, though the Wall Street Journal reported he intends to do so. The European Commission has yet to comment on the legislation.