Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill

In a move to pressure Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump signed a bill on Friday that authorizes new sanctions targeting the country's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. The legislation also encompasses Russia's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions and permits Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

This could potentially include countries like China and India, thereby furthering efforts to cut off revenue that funds Moscow's war efforts. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved the package with a 262-159 vote on Wednesday.

The bill extends sanctions against entities supporting Russia's military endeavors and broadens the scope to include Iran. However, the wide-ranging authority to impose tariffs has sparked a notable divide among Democrats, who have generally expressed support for Ukraine but have been cautious about granting Trump enhanced trade regulation powers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the symbolic nature of the legislation's passage and expressed gratitude to US lawmakers. India, on Thursday, stated that it would persist in purchasing oil via diversified sources. Trump's signing of the bill also precedes his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, which is set to occur a week later.