WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has signed legislation imposing sweeping new sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine, days after the measure cleared Congress with rare bipartisan support.
Trump signed the Lindsey and Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 at the White House on Friday, according to Al Jazeera.
The legislation, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, targets Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior officials, as well as wealthy individuals, banks and financial institutions. It also imposes measures against Russia’s energy and defence sectors and tankers linked to the so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport oil while evading Western sanctions.
A key provision gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on five major buyers of Russian oil and gas. The measure could have significant implications for China and India, which are among the largest importers of Russian crude oil.
The law also expands sanctions targeting Iran’s energy and arms sectors.
The Senate approved the legislation last month, while the House of Representatives passed it on Wednesday. Fifty-eight House Democrats crossed party lines to support the measure, making it the first major Ukraine-related bill to pass both chambers of Congress in more than two years.
Supporters of the legislation say the sanctions are intended to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance the war and increase pressure on Putin to enter negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the legislation as a powerful tool.
However, the bill also faced opposition from some Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warned that the tariff provisions could increase costs for American households and argued that the sanctions framework contains potential loopholes.
The legislation represents a significant expansion of US economic pressure on Russia as the war in Ukraine continues.
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