The US Senate approved a new bill containing tough sanctions against Russia. The bill, named the 'Lindsey O. Graham Russia Sanctions Act of 2026,' was passed by a vote of 86 to 12 and sent to the House of Representatives.
The bill imposes new sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, more than 20 senior officials, and defense industry companies. It also targets the 'shadow fleet' network Russia uses to circumvent sanctions in its energy exports.
100% tariff threat for China and India
The bill grants the US President broad authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Under this authority, the President could impose tariffs of up to 100% on exports to the US from the top five buyers of Russian energy, military equipment, or countries that help circumvent sanctions. Imports directly from Russia could face tariffs of up to 500%. The US imported $3.8 billion worth of goods from Russia in 2025.
According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the largest buyers of Russian energy include China, India, and Turkey. These countries stand out as potential targets of the bill.
Analysts' assessments
Even Pay from the Beijing-based consultancy Trivium China said the US could suspend the tariffs ahead of President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this year. Pay said, 'If enacted, this provision would give Trump something he has long wanted: congressional authorization to impose high tariffs on China along with the few countries that import Russian oil.'
India, meanwhile, is said to be in a difficult position because efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian energy have been disrupted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Maia Nikoladze from the Atlantic Council stated that India has received a sanctions waiver from the US to temporarily continue purchasing Russian oil and may request similar waivers in the future.
Criticism and uncertainties regarding the bill
The bill drew criticism from figures like Senator Maggie Hassan. Hassan argued that while she supports sanctions on Russia, tariffs whose costs would be borne by American businesses and consumers would not help Ukraine. The US Chamber of Commerce also opposes the bill on similar grounds.
David Smith from the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre noted that Trump's previous tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court, but this bill could be legally more robust because it relies on IEEPA. Smith said, 'This appears to be new legislation that would legally expand Trump's tariff authority.'
Meanwhile, President Trump has instructed that the bill be amended to also cover Iran. Analysts note that this addition could reduce Democratic support and delay the bill's enactment. Since the House of Representatives is currently on summer recess, deliberations are expected to be postponed for some time.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Washington for Senator Graham's funeral, watched the Senate vote from the gallery and welcomed the outcome. In a post on X, Zelenskyy said, 'This is the first step toward implementing Lindsey's plans and definitely a step toward peace.'
