US President Donald Trump on September 18 signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, giving Washington new powers to impose sanctions on Russia and potentially levy tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The legislation is intended to increase economic pressure on Moscow and push it towards ending its war in Ukraine, while also targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, oligarchs, sanctions-evasion networks and the country’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. The law also extends existing US sanctions authority against Iran for five years. It passed the Senate 86-11 and the House 262-159, reflecting bipartisan support, although several Democrats opposed the expanded tariff powers granted to the President.
The White House has said the legislation strengthens Trump’s ability to encourage Russia to negotiate, while critics have raised concerns about giving the executive branch wide discretion over tariffs and their potential economic impact.
Bill Targets Russian Revenues
The legislation seeks to put further pressure on Russia’s economy by targeting the financial channels that support its war effort. It authorises primary and secondary sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs and their family members, banks and other financial institutions, as well as foreign individuals and networks accused of helping Moscow evade existing restrictions. It also specifically targets Russia’s “shadow fleet” — tankers used to transport Russian oil while attempting to bypass sanctions.
One of the most significant provisions concerns countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. The law gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as countries identified as major facilitators of sanctions evasion.
Certain countries can qualify for exemptions under specified conditions, including where Russian natural gas makes up less than 15% of Russia’s total natural gas exports and the country is taking significant steps to reduce its dependence.
Supporters have described the legislation as an additional economic tool to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senator Katie Britt said the law gives Trump “the tools” to hold Putin accountable and help bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end. Senator Mark Kelly, who backed the Senate measure, said cutting off money used to fund the war was essential to putting pressure on Moscow.
From Pressure To Negotiations
The legislation comes after repeated efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war failed to produce a lasting settlement. The Trump administration had previously shown hesitation towards imposing additional sanctions on Moscow, but its position shifted as attempts to bring the conflict towards an end stalled, according to reporting.
The law is named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of its key sponsors and died in July. It began as bipartisan legislation in the Senate and was later amended before moving through Congress. The Senate approved the measure by an overwhelming 86-11 vote on August 7, while the House passed it 262-159 on September 16.
The White House supported the legislation, arguing that stronger sanctions and tariff powers could increase the pressure on Russia to accept terms for peace. Its official policy statement said the bill would strengthen the President’s ability to encourage a negotiated resolution and increase the costs for those continuing to do business with Russian entities.
The legislation also allows the President to waive certain sanctions and terminate them after a peace agreement, according to the administration’s position.
However, the expanded tariff authority has drawn criticism. Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan said she supported stronger sanctions against Russia but opposed the bill because, in her view, it transferred too much tariff-making authority from Congress to the executive branch. She argued that broad tariff powers could contribute to higher costs and economic uncertainty.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Economic sanctions and trade restrictions are powerful tools, but their consequences can extend beyond governments to businesses, workers and ordinary people across borders.
As this new law gives the US President greater discretion over sanctions and tariffs, its impact will depend not only on how Washington implements it but also on how Russia, major energy-importing countries and other governments respond. At a time when the Russia-Ukraine war continues to carry a heavy human cost, sustained diplomatic engagement remains important alongside economic pressure.
Peace ultimately requires channels for dialogue, accountability and coexistence rather than an endless cycle of escalation. Can stronger economic pressure help create the conditions for meaningful negotiations, or could wider trade restrictions make diplomacy more difficult?
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