US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, expanding Washington’s sanctions framework against Russia. The legislation targets Russian officials, financial and energy interests, and the country’s so-called shadow tanker fleet. It also gives the president authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue significant purchases of Russian oil and gas, with potential duties of up to 100% under specified provisions. The House approved the measure 262-159 before Trump signed it.
Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill Giving White House Expanded Tariff Powers
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which imposes new sanctions on Russia and gives the administration more power to slap tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy.
US legislation on Russia sanctions became law on Friday when the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was signed by United States President Donald Trump, ushering in a new phase in Washington’s relations with Moscow.
The law was signed two days after it passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan 262-159 vote amid growing pressure on the administration to step up measures against Russia’s war effort.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed into law the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which imposes new sanctions on Russia and grants the administration more authority to slap tariffs on countries that buy Russian energy.
United States President Donald Trump signed into law Friday the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, a new phase in Washington’s relations with Moscow in terms of US legislation on Russia sanctions.
The law was signed two days after it cleared the House of Representatives in a bipartisan 262-159 vote as pressure mounted on the administration to ramp up measures against Russia’s war effort.
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act Expands Economic Pressure
The legislation imposes new sanctions on Russian political figures, military officials and international networks believed to be assisting Moscow in maintaining its military operations and avoiding existing restrictions.
Another major component deals with Russia’s so-called “shadow tanker” fleet, a network of ships widely reported to have helped move crude oil in defiance of international sanctions on exports.
Supporters of the legislation say restricting these shipping networks could further constrict Russia's ability to generate revenue and maintain supply chains that support military activities.
The legislation also contains provisions targeting entities and organisations believed to be helping Russia to evade sanctions, expanding enforcement tools available to United States authorities.
The legislation would impose new sanctions on Russian political figures, military officials, and global networks believed to be helping Moscow sustain its military operations and evade existing restrictions.
Another crucial factor is Russia’s so-called “shadow tanker” fleet, a network of ships that has been widely reported to have helped ferry crude oil in defiance of international sanctions on exports.
Supporters of the legislation argue that constricting these shipping networks could further tighten Russia’s ability to generate revenue and maintain supply lines that support military activities.
The legislation also includes provisions targeting entities and organisations suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions, expanding the enforcement tools available to U.S. authorities.
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Debate Over Tariff Authority Draws Political Attention
The bill’s wide-ranging tariff provisions drew the ire of a number of Democratic lawmakers, who said it gives the president too much power to set international trade policy and economic penalties.
Critics cited previous battles over tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on a number of countries, and larger disputes over the executive’s powers on trade matters.
Those concerns have grown more pronounced in the wake of legal challenges over tariff authorities and interpretations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977.
The law’s supporters say the flexibility is needed to respond quickly to changing geopolitical conditions and keep sanctions effective against evolving means of circumvention.
The legislation is among the most significant packages of Russia-related sanctions that Congress has enacted since the conflict in Ukraine began, according to Sprouts News.
The law’s practical impact will depend largely on how the Trump administration applies its new authorities, including decisions on sanctions enforcement, tariff implementation, and exemptions.
International markets, energy-importing countries and diplomatic partners are expected to keep a close eye on the administration’s next steps as the new measures begin to take effect.
But for Russia, Ukraine and the countries that do energy business around the world, the legislation is a potential harder edge to U.S. economic policy, with broader implications expected in the months ahead.
