Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law, Expands Tariff Powers

U.S. President Donald Trump signs legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia. ( Photo credit: Ali Shaker/Wikimedia commons)

 WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, giving Washington additional tools to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine, the White House said.

The legislation, formally known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors, financial institutions and vessels involved in transporting Russian oil outside existing sanctions frameworks.

The measure also gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that fall within specified categories of major buyers of Russian oil or natural gas. The provision is particularly significant for major Russian energy customers such as India and China.

Bill Clears Congress With Broad Support

The legislation passed the U.S. Senate by 86-11 and later cleared the House of Representatives by 262-159, before being sent to Trump for his signature.

The law is named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a major supporter of tougher measures against Russia. Senator Richard Blumenthal was also involved in developing the legislation.

The package also extends existing sanctions related to Iran for another five years, a provision that helped secure the Trump administration’s backing for the legislation.

Potential Impact on India

Russian energy infrastructure. ( Photo credit: Unsplash)

The new law could have implications for India because India remains a major buyer of Russian crude oil. However, the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. Instead, it provides the U.S. president with statutory authority to impose tariffs under specified conditions.

India has previously said that it would continue to protect its energy security through diversified sources of supply.

The legislation comes as Washington continues to use economic measures to put pressure on Moscow’s energy revenues. Russia’s oil exports have remained an important source of revenue for its economy despite years of Western sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine War Remains Central Issue

Army tank (photo credit: unsplash)

The sanctions package is aimed at restricting Russian access to money and international networks that support its energy exports and military-related activities.

The law also targets Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of tankers accused by Western governments of helping transport Russian oil while bypassing sanctions and other restrictions.

The Kremlin had previously warned that additional U.S. sanctions could make efforts to reach a settlement in Ukraine more difficult.

Trump’s signing of the legislation now gives his administration additional legal tools to increase economic pressure on Russia and potentially countries continuing significant trade in Russian energy.