Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump signed a law imposing sweeping sanctions on Russia, a measure championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, according to the White House.
The signing took place on Friday, September 18. As a result, the law has already entered into force.
"H.R. 5334, the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran," the White House website states.
Meanwhile, Clash Report writes that the bill provides for the following:
- New sanctions against Vladimir Putin, oligarchs, banks, energy and defense companies, as well as Russia's shadow fleet—oil tankers
- Authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that are the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas (namely, China and India)
- Tariffs of up to 500% directly on Russian imports
- Five-year extension of sanctions against Iran’s energy and military sectors
- President is granted the right to waive any of these measures or to postpone their implementation.
The agency adds that the question now is whether Trump will use these tariff policy tools or keep them as leverage.
Background
On the night of September 17, the US House of Representatives finally passed Graham's sweeping sanctions bill against Russia and Iran. 252 members of Congress voted in favor, after which the bill was sent to Trump for his signature.
In light of this vote, China stated that the new sanctions against Russia adopted by the US Congress have no legal basis and violate international law. China's cooperation is not directed against any third party.
For a detailed analysis, including the Graham Act on sanctions against Russia and China, read the article by RBC-Ukraine.
