US Congress approves Russia sanctions that impact China and India

Washington: The US Congress approved substantial sanctions on Russia on Wednesday, designed to pressure Moscow following its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the legislation by a vote of 262-159, sending it to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate had already approved the bill in a 86-11 vote.

The sanctions target Russia's energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials, as well as Moscow's unofficial tanker fleet which avoids Western sanctions. The legislation also grants Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including potential buyers like China and India.

However, the bill's broad tariff authority has caused a divide among Democrats, who largely support Ukraine but have been hesitant to grant Trump enhanced trade authority. Despite this, the measure passed with support from most Democrats and a few Republicans who opposed the sanctions on economic or interventionist grounds. The House vote was met with enthusiasm from pro-Ukraine activists, who highlighted the continued Russian aggression, including drone strikes that killed five people in Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had urged Congress to pass the sanctions package, calling for greater pressure to force Russia into negotiations. Meanwhile, India stated it would continue purchasing oil through diversified sources and based on market conditions. The bill also extends sanctions targeting companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military and those involved in the Iran conflict.

President Trump expressed hope that the sanctions would eventually end the cash flow to the Kremlin's war coffers.