Trump backs new US sanctions package against Russia - Senator Graham

According to Graham, the document provides for expanding the president’s authority on secondary sanctions. This will allow Washington to punish countries that continue buying cheap Russian energy resources and effectively financing Russia’s military campaign against Ukraine.

"The legislation allows the US president to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs - at his discretion - on countries who continue to buy cheap Russian oil and gas, propping up Putin’s war machine," Graham wrote.

He also emphasized that the new mechanisms would give Trump more tools to pressure the Kremlin and push Russian President Vladimir Putin toward peace negotiations. The sanctions could target not only Russia but also its allies — including Iran.

The senator added that the existing restrictions against Russia’s two largest oil companies "have made a big difference," and the new package could further intensify Moscow’s economic isolation.

US sanctions against Russian oil

In October, the US imposed sanctions on the Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as their 36 subsidiaries, in an effort to force the Kremlin to enter negotiations on Ukraine.

Following this, EU countries where Lukoil refineries operate began looking for ways to avoid shutting down the plants. Bulgaria allowed the government to change the refinery’s management and is considering nationalization followed by a sale. Romania is asking the US for a sanctions waiver.

Meanwhile, Lukoil declared force majeure and halted operations at the large West Qurna-2 oil field in Iraq. Moldova is also discussing with the company a possible purchase of infrastructure at Chișinău Airport, while Romania wants to take control of Petrotel Lukoil.

Against this backdrop, reports have emerged that Lukoil may sell its foreign assets to the Swiss company Gunvor, and the company itself is asking the US Treasury for more time to complete transactions following the introduction of sanctions.