US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping sanctions package on Friday aimed at restricting the revenues and financial networks that support Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to Euronews. The measure targets Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers used to move Russian energy while evading existing Western sanctions.
The legislation passed with substantial bipartisan support, winning 86-11 in the Senate and 262-159 in the House. Its stated purpose is to deprive President Vladimir Putin’s government of resources needed to continue the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The package also gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas. An exception applies to countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural-gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports, Euronews reported.
The bill was co-drafted by Senator Richard Blumenthal and became a final legislative project associated with the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally who had returned from Ukraine before unexpectedly dying in July. Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, who was appointed to complete his Senate term, said he would have been proud of the law and believed economic pressure could help end the war.
Democratic lawmakers who supported stronger action against Russia nevertheless opposed provisions granting Trump expanded tariff powers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries questioned why Congress would give the president what he described as unfettered authority to impose tariffs that could harm Americans economically, including through possible levies on the European Union and other regions.
The White House had sought to preserve flexibility over how sanctions would be applied before supporting the bill. Trump ultimately approved it after the legislation included his request to allow the administration to extend sanctions on Iran for another five years, Euronews reported.