US passes sanctions bill targeting Russia

The US House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive sanctions and tariff bill, aiming to intensify economic pressure on Russia. Former Senator Lindsey Graham introduced this legislation in April 2025, which President Donald Trump finally signed into law in July 2026, just days after Graham's death. The bill, now called the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support last month.

House members voted 262 to 159 in favor, with several Democrats joining the Republican majority. The new measures focus on targeting Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as its "shadow fleet" of tankers that circumvent existing sanctions.

The bill also gives President Trump the authority to impose significant tariffs on countries like China and India to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas. Additionally, it extends sanctions on Iran. Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to the US Congress for their support, calling it a decisive move to intensify the pressure on Russia and its war machine in Ukraine.

Graham and numerous senators introduced the bill in April 2025, and it took until July 2026 for Trump to allow Republican leaders to schedule a vote, as he generally prefers to control tariffs and sanctions independently.

Since assuming office in January 2025, Trump has maintained a hands-off approach to foreign policy, favoring unilateral decisions over collaborating with Congress. The Graham Act passed the Senate 86-11, with strong bipartisan support, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's urging and his attendance at an early procedural vote in the chamber.

Zelensky reiterated his backing for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of strength in achieving a just and lasting peace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna highlighted the bill's significance in reducing Russia's financial capacity to fund the war, stating that increased pressure brings us closer to resolution.