Trump Approves Sweeping Sanctions Bill Targeting Russian Oil Buyers with 500% Tariffs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant escalation of U.S. efforts to isolate Russia economically amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump has approved a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose a 500% tariff on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and related products. The announcement came Wednesday from Senator Lindsey Graham, who described the legislation as a pivotal shift in American strategy designed to cut off financing for Moscow’s military operations.
“After a very productive meeting today with President Trump on a variety of issues, he greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that I have been working on for months with Senator Blumenthal and many others,” Graham posted on X, formerly Twitter. “This will be well-timed, as Ukraine is making concessions for peace and Putin is all talk, continuing to kill the innocent.”
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 grants the president broad authority to economically isolate Russia and penalize major global economies that continue to trade with Moscow. The centerpiece of the legislation is a mandate for the United States to impose a 500% tariff on all goods imported from any country that purchases Russian oil, petroleum products, or uranium.
This unprecedented tariff is designed to deter countries such as China, India, and Brazil from undermining the U.S. sanctions regime by buying cheap Russian energy resources, which Senator Graham described as “fueling Putin’s war machine.” The senator emphasized that the bill provides Trump with “tremendous leverage” to pressure these nations to cease their transactions with Russia.
The legislation arrives amid ongoing diplomatic efforts and military developments in the Ukraine conflict. While Ukraine has reportedly made concessions toward peace, Moscow continues its military campaign, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. military forces seized two oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean suspected of violating existing sanctions against Russia. The U.S. Coast Guard tracked one vessel, the Bella 1, near the Singapore Strait after it was pursued in international waters off Venezuela. This operation underscores the U.S. commitment to enforcing sanctions and disrupting Russia’s ability to finance its war.
President Trump has indicated a willingness to meet with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but only after a peace deal is finalized. The new sanctions bill is expected to strengthen the U.S. negotiating position by increasing economic pressure on Moscow and its allies.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with a vote anticipated as early as next week. Senator Graham expressed optimism about a strong bipartisan outcome, reflecting growing consensus on the need for tougher measures against Russia.
This legislative move aligns with broader U.S. national security priorities, including efforts to counter Russian and Chinese influence globally. The U.S. Department of State has long emphasized the importance of coordinated international sanctions to deter aggression and uphold international norms.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the United States is signaling its readiness to escalate economic penalties to compel Russia and its trading partners to reconsider their positions. The new sanctions framework represents one of the most aggressive economic strategies deployed by the U.S. in recent years, aiming to choke off financial support for Moscow’s military operations and hasten an end to the war.
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