Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, opens door to tariffs on major oil buyers

US President Donald Trump has signed into law a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia’s energy and defence industries and its “shadow fleet” of tankers, while giving him broad new powers to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy.

The legislation, signed on Friday, is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine by restricting revenues that help fund the war.

Reuters reported on Saturday that the law also authorises the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian oil and gas, extending the potential economic impact of the measures well beyond Russia itself. The tariffs are not automatic and would be imposed at the president’s discretion.

That provision could expose major Russian energy buyers, including India and China, to higher US trade barriers if they continue purchasing Russian oil and gas.

India has already warned that such measures could strain its relationship with Washington and affect international energy markets, while maintaining that it needs to protect its energy security.

The legislation, now known as the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026”, honours the late South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime advocate of tougher measures against Russia. Graham died in July.

The House of Representatives approved the legislation on Wednesday after the Senate passed it last month.

Critics have raised concerns that the tariff powers could have consequences for other countries beyond the current conflict, including because tariffs imposed under the law could remain in force beyond Trump’s presidency.

The Kremlin has said additional US sanctions would complicate efforts to reach a peace settlement in Ukraine. - September 19, 2026