US President Donald Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law

On Friday, US President Donald Trump signed the Russia sanctions bill into law, according to a statement from the White House. This move is expected to intensify economic pressure on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The legislation specifically targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as its "shadow fleet" of tankers that circumvent existing sanctions, aiming to prevent Moscow from funding its war efforts.

Critics argue that the bill, which also imposes tariffs on Russia's major trading partners, could have far-reaching implications for other nations if they ever find themselves under Trump's scrutiny in the future. The legislation, now known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in honor of the late South Carolina Republican, passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday and the Senate last month. Graham, a well-known Russia critic, strongly supported the bill.