Trump signs bill authorising broad new sanctions on Russia

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed a bill that authorizes new sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine, following its approval by Congress. The legislation specifically targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. It also aims to disrupt Moscow's "shadow fleet" of tankers that evade Western sanctions and grants Trump the power to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, potentially including China and India. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives backed the package with a vote of 262 to 159.

The bill would also target entities and foreign actors supporting Russia's military endeavors, and extend sanctions involving Iran. However, the wide-ranging tariff authority has created an unexpected divide among Democrats, who, while supporting Ukraine, have been hesitant to grant Trump greater control over trade matters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the symbolic significance of the bill's passage and expressed gratitude to the US lawmakers.

India, meanwhile, stated on Thursday that it would persist in purchasing oil through diversified sources. Trump's signing of the bill coincides with his imminent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, scheduled about a week later.