Donald Trump has signed a new sanctions law against Russia, granting authority to impose a 100% tariff on countries purchasing energy from Russia, though exemptions may apply if necessary for U.S. national security.
Foreign news agencies reported that U.S. President Donald Trump signed the new Russia sanctions bill on Friday, 18 Sep 2026 GMT+7, aiming to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine after Congress approved the bill earlier that week.
The legislation, titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026,” grants the president authority to impose customs duties up to 100% on imports from the top five countries importing crude oil and natural gas from Russia, especially China and India.
However, the law exempts countries importing less than 15% of Russia's total gas exports and those making serious efforts to reduce such imports.
Additionally, the law authorizes the president to impose tariffs up to 500% on goods imported directly from Russia.
The latest U.S. sanctions also aim to cut off Russia's revenue streams and evasion networks, targeting the shadow fleet by imposing penalties and seizing oil tankers Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions.
The U.S. continues to sanction Russian financial institutions, banks, energy sector organizations, as well as President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, and Russian oligarchs.
Sanctions will extend to foreign companies and agents supporting Russia's security and military industries, and the Iran sanctions will be extended for five more years to block weapons and energy cooperation between Russia and Iran.
The law will take effect within 30 days, allowing the Trump administration discretion to waive tariffs or sanctions if deemed necessary for U.S. national security interests.
The bill's consideration was delayed over a year because Trump initially wanted to retain exclusive control over sanctions and tariffs rather than cede authority to Congress.
While most Democrats support Ukraine, some opposed the bill over concerns about granting Trump broad trade powers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the U.S. Congress, calling the law a “very powerful tool” to stop the war and pressure Russia into peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, India stated it will continue sourcing oil from diverse suppliers, partly relying on Russian oil to manage the energy crisis amid U.S.-Iran tensions.
This signing occurs just one week before Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington D.C., where they are expected to discuss trade, tax agreements, technological competition, geopolitical issues, and global security.
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Source:cna