Trump signs law authorising tougher sanctions, tariffs against Russia
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Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed legislation widening sanctions against Russia and authorising tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that are among the biggest buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The law, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed by Trump on Friday. It also extends the US government’s authority to enforce sanctions against Iran for another five years.
Under the legislation, the president can impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. The measure also covers countries identified as major facilitators of efforts to evade sanctions on Russian oil, according to a statement issued by Republican Senator Katie Britt.
The White House and lawmakers did not identify the countries that could be targeted or specify the tariff rates that may be applied.
The law includes an exemption for countries whose imports of Russian natural gas account for less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total gas exports, provided they are taking significant measures to reduce their dependence on Russian supplies.
The legislation also authorises sanctions against Russian officials, business magnates and their family members, foreign individuals and entities, banks, financial institutions and vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
It provides for both primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and people or organisations accused of supporting Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Britt attended the signing ceremony in the Oval Office along with Trump. Republican Representative Michael McCaul of Texas was also present.
Britt said the legislation demonstrated US opposition to Russia and countries helping finance its military operations in Ukraine. She credited lawmakers from both chambers of Congress and the White House with advancing the bill, while also praising Republican Senator Lindsey Graham for his role in drafting and promoting it.
Republican Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho said the additional economic restrictions were intended to support efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
He said the war had continued for too long and argued that the new measures would prevent Russia from believing it could secure victory. Simpson’s office said the law introduced mandatory sanctions and further economic restrictions against Moscow.
(Inputs from IANS)