22 Mar 2026, Sun

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a new bipartisan sanctions proposal designed to intensify pressure on Russia and on countries that continue doing business with Moscow, particularly through purchases of Russian oil, according to lawmakers. The draft legislation, titled the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, would authorize the United States to impose aggressive economic penalties intended to restrict revenue streams that help finance Russia’s war in Ukraine.

One of the most significant provisions allows the administration to levy tariffs of up to 500 percent on imports from nations that keep buying Russian energy. Supporters argue that such a high tariff threat would act as a powerful deterrent, forcing governments and companies to reconsider their dependence on discounted Russian crude and related products. The goal, they say, is to reduce demand for Russian energy and tighten the economic squeeze on Moscow.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a key sponsor of the bill, said in a social media post that the measure gives the White House leverage to push major buyers of Russian oil to change course. He specifically mentioned India, China, and Brazil as countries whose continued purchases could come under closer scrutiny if the bill becomes law. These nations have increased or maintained imports of Russian oil.

The proposal is now expected to move toward a vote in the U.S. Congress, where backers anticipate strong bipartisan backing. However, some lawmakers and business groups have raised concerns about side effects, including higher costs for consumers, supply chain disruptions, and strained diplomatic relationships with trading partners. Critics also warn that sweeping tariffs could trigger retaliatory measures and complicate trade dynamics.

Despite these concerns, supporters believe the legislation sends a clear signal of Washington’s intent to use economic tools to influence international behavior and to limit resources flowing to Russia during the ongoing conflict efforts.

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