WASHINGTON, US President Donald Trump has signed a major Russia sanctions bill into law, the White House said on Friday.
The new law gives Washington more tools to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Russia’s Energy and Defense Sectors Targeted
The law targets Russia’s energy and defense industries.
It also targets Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers.
These vessels help Russia move energy products while avoiding existing sanctions, according to US officials.
The new measures aim to reduce money flowing to Moscow from its energy trade.
That money helps fund Russia’s war in Ukraine, the legislation states.
New Tariff Powers
The law also gives the US president wide powers to impose tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.
In some cases, the tariffs can reach 100%.
The measure targets major buyers of Russian energy and countries that help Russia avoid sanctions.
However, the law has raised concerns about its wider effect on international trade.
Critics say the tariff powers could affect countries that continue to trade with Russia.
Bill Named After Lindsey Graham
Congress named the legislation the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.”
The name honors the late South Carolina Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July.
Graham strongly supported tougher sanctions against Russia.
The Senate passed the bill last month.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives approved it on Wednesday.
Trump then signed the measure into law on Friday.
The new law marks a further expansion of US sanctions and tariff powers linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
