Trump Signs Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law: What to Know

President Donald Trump signed into law a comprehensive package of new sanctions against Russia on Friday, aimed at pressuring Moscow to cease its war against Ukraine. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, was approved by both the Senate and the House with significant bipartisan support. The law grants Trump enhanced authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy or assist Russia in evading existing sanctions.

The law targets a range of Russian entities, including political and military officials, as well as foreign networks involved in supporting Russia's war efforts or circumventing sanctions. It also focuses on key sectors of the Russian economy, such as banks and the "shadow fleet" of tankers transporting Russian energy despite existing sanctions on energy exports.

The legislation allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas, although these tariffs are not automatically applied to all countries that buy Russian energy. The law grants the president discretion in deciding whether and how to use the tariff provisions, as well as imposing sanctions on the five countries that most actively help Russia evade energy sanctions.

The measures could potentially impact U.S. trade relations with key energy importers such as China and India, both of which are significant buyers of Russian oil. However, the law does not automatically impose the maximum 100% tariff on these countries or others that purchase Russian energy.

The Russia sanctions are complemented by an Iran framework, which establishes a framework to maintain sanctions on Iran until 2031. The Russia and Iran provisions are included in the same legislation, named after Senator Lindsey O. Graham, a Republican who played a key role in advancing the bill. Graham had been a strong supporter of Ukraine and passed away unexpectedly in July.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the legislation, recalling Graham's stance on maintaining pressure on Russia and honoring his memory by fully implementing the provisions of the law. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that additional U.S. sanctions might hinder efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.