Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill into law

On September 18, President Donald Trump signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. This comprehensive bill intensifies sanctions against Russia, adding new tariffs and extending restrictions on Iran. The legislation requires the president to impose tariffs up to 100% on goods from countries that import significant amounts of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as those identified as facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion.

The measures are to be implemented within 30 days, although the law also grants the president waiver authority. Tariffs of up to 500% are imposed on goods directly imported from Russia, targeting the energy sector, Russian officials, financial institutions, and vessels evading existing sanctions. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump and congressional supporters, praising Graham's push for increased economic pressure on Moscow.

Zelensky emphasized that Graham's vision for implementing the law would honor his memory. The House of Representatives approved the bill on September 16, sending it to Trump for signature. The Senate had already passed the measure in August with overwhelming bipartisan support. Some lawmakers opposed the broad tariff authority granted to the president.

While the bill does not name specific countries, China and India, major purchasers of Russian oil, could be affected. The legislation was renamed in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had advocated for additional sanctions against Russia for over a year before his passing on July 11 due to a heart condition.