Trump signs sanctions package against Russia amid Ukraine conflict
President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russian officials and key pillars of its economy that is meant to punish and pressure Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine, reports BritPanorama.
The measure serves as a final legacy item for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally and friend of the president who had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July. In the works for more than a year, the bill passed with large bipartisan margins: 86-11 in the Senate and 262-159 in the House.
The legislation aims to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbor more than four years ago. It sanctions Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers that supports the movement of Russian energy.
Additionally, the bill directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, offering an exception for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
Sen. Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, expressed her sentiments regarding the legislation, stating, “I wish Lindsey were here to celebrate this historic day. I know he would be so proud. Lindsey believed this bill, which he worked on for well over a year, would help end the war through squeezing Putin economically and forcing his customers to reevaluate their relationship with Russia.”
Darline Graham was appointed to complete her late brother’s Senate term. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., also noted, “If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage — and already thinking about the next one.” He emphasized the need to show strength, stating, “Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.”
Despite overwhelming support on Capitol Hill, the legislation faced criticism from some Democratic lawmakers who contended that it may grant Trump the ability to impose new tariffs against the European Union and others. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., opposed the bill, questioning why Congress would give the president unfettered authority to impose tariffs that could negatively impact the American people. “I can’t do it,” he stated.
Graham’s journey to securing Trump’s approval for the bill had several setbacks, highlighting the White House’s concern regarding retaining flexibility on sanctions. Ultimately, Trump approved the legislation after it included his request for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran.
This legislative development underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the United States’ strategic response to Russian aggression.
