Trump Signs New Russia Sanctions Law, Giving Him Power to Impose 100% Tariffs

Washington, D.C. (Terror Monitor) — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, days after Congress approved the legislation. The law expands sanctions on Russia’s energy and defense sectors and gives the president new authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, also targets Russian officials, financial institutions and the country’s so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. It also extends certain existing sanctions on Iran.

The new tariff authority could affect major purchasers of Russian energy, including China and India. However, the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on these countries; it provides the administration with the authority to impose such tariffs under specified conditions.

The legislation comes as Trump is preparing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington next week, potentially adding another issue to the discussions between Washington and Beijing.

The law also includes provisions targeting foreign companies and financial institutions that assist Russia in evading sanctions or support its military-industrial sector.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the legislation and thanked U.S. lawmakers, describing it as a powerful tool that could help pressure Russia toward peace.

India has said it will continue purchasing oil from diversified sources. New Delhi remains a major buyer of Russian crude, despite pressure from Western governments to reduce its reliance on Russian energy.

Supporters of the legislation argue that increasing economic pressure on Russia is necessary because of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.