Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, aiming to choke off funds for Moscow in Ukraine war

President Donald Trump signed a comprehensive sanctions bill on Friday, targeting Russian officials and key sectors of its economy in response to Moscow's war against Ukraine. The legislation, a final legacy item for late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed with broad bipartisan support, receiving 86-11 votes in the Senate and 262-159 in the House.

The bill aims to pressure President Vladimir Putin by choking off Russia's financial resources. It sanctions Russian officials, banks, and a network of tankers that transport Russian energy. The measure also directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas and making significant efforts to reduce their imports.

Senator Lindsey Graham's sister and Senate appointee, Darline Graham, expressed her pride in the bill's passage, believing it would end the war by squeezing Putin economically. However, the legislation faced criticism from some Democratic lawmakers, who warned that Trump could use his expanded tariff powers to impose further levies on the European Union and other regions, potentially causing economic harm to American citizens.

Graham's bill journey was fraught with challenges, as the White House had to ensure that Trump would maintain enough flexibility on sanctions. Ultimately, Trump agreed to the bill after it incorporated his demand for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran.