Trump signs sanctions bill targeting Russia

President Donald Trump has signed into law a bill aimed at pressuring Russia over its war in Ukraine. The legislation, passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives with a 262-159 vote and the Senate, targets key sectors of the Russian economy, including energy and defense, as well as senior officials like President Vladimir Putin.

The bill also grants Trump the authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, and extends sanctions to companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military. This action comes shortly after the legislation's congressional approval earlier this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky deemed the measure symbolic, praising Washington for its support.

India declared it would continue purchasing oil through diversified sourcing. The bill is named the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" in honor of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away in July. It was introduced by Republican lawmakers in April 2025 and passed in the Senate last month. The signing of this bill occurs a week before Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.