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Russia Warns New U.S. Sanctions Law Would Harm Trump’s Peace Efforts
Confirmed
In Short: The bill also targets companies and foreign actors that support Russia's military and extends sanctions related to Iran. Washington is attempting to revive mediated efforts to end the war as Moscow intensifies its attacks on Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump signed the Russia sanctions bill into law on Friday, according to the White House statement. The bill, known as the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 262-159 after clearing the Senate last month.
The new law targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also aims to disrupt Russia's 'shadow fleet' of tankers used to evade Western sanctions and grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The sanctions are designed to cut off revenue funding Moscow's war in Ukraine. However, India, which regards Russia as a strategic partner, has indicated it will continue to buy oil from Russia despite Western pressure.
In a statement, the bill's sponsor wrote that it is 'an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war and bring Russia to the point where it has to make peace.
What this adds
The sanctions could potentially affect major buyers like China and India, complicating their energy policies.
India's continued support for Russia highlights the geopolitical tensions and strategic considerations that complicate international efforts to isolate Moscow.
What's confirmed
- US President Donald Trump signed the Russia sanctions bill into law on Friday, according to the White House statement. The bill, known as the Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 262-159 after clearing the Senate last month.
- The new law targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also aims to disrupt Russia's 'shadow fleet' of tankers used to evade Western sanctions and grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- The sanctions are designed to cut off revenue funding Moscow's war in Ukraine. However, India, which regards Russia as a strategic partner, has indicated it will continue to buy oil from Russia despite Western pressure.
- In a statement, the bill's sponsor wrote that it is 'an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war and bring Russia to the point where it has to make peace.
What's still developing
- Washington is trying to revive mediated efforts to end the war as Moscow steps up attacks on Ukraine, even though much of its attention, and its munitions, are focused on the war against Iran.
- "Sanctions must be strong so that all efforts for peace — including our joint diplomatic efforts with the United States, Europe, and our other friends — can succeed." India said on Thursday that it would keep buying oil "through diversified sourcing".
- New Delhi, which regards Russia as one of its most important strategic partners, has responded to the energy crisis caused by the US-Iran conflict partly by turning to Moscow, despite pressure from Western countries.