U.S. President Donald Trump has signalled his support for a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could impose sweeping penalties on countries continuing to trade in Russian energy, including major buyers such as India, China and Brazil.
The proposed legislation, known as the Graham–Blumenthal sanctions bill, would authorize the U.S. president to levy tariffs of up to 500 per cent on nations that knowingly purchase Russian oil, gas or uranium. The bill is aimed at cutting off financial flows that supporters say are sustaining Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the bill’s co-authors, said he met Trump at the White House on Wednesday, where the president gave his approval for the legislation to move forward. A White House official later confirmed Trump’s backing of the measure.
“This will be well-timed, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace while President Vladimir Putin continues military operations,” Graham said, describing the bill as a tool to increase pressure on Moscow.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would allow the administration to impose both tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian exports. Supporters argue the move would significantly reduce Russia’s ability to finance its military campaign.
The bill has garnered broad bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate, with dozens of co-sponsors, and has a companion version in the House of Representatives. Graham indicated a vote could take place as early as next week, though the Senate’s legislative schedule and an upcoming recess may affect the timing.
The Trump administration is simultaneously pursuing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the nearly four-year-long Ukraine war, with negotiations continuing even as lawmakers push for stronger economic pressure on Russia and its trading partners.