Trump Signs Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Targeting Major Oil and Gas Buyers

US President Donald Trump signed a sweeping sanctions bill on Friday, taking direct aim at Russia's economy by establishing the authority to penalize major international purchasers of Russian oil and gas. The legislation, which was passed by the US House of Representatives earlier in the week, gives the president broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian energy exports. Most significantly, those top purchasers include China and India.

Formally titled the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, the 48-page legislation also extends penalties to Iran's energy and weapons sectors at President Trump's behest. The measure is named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican lawmaker and one of Ukraine's staunchest defenders in Washington, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 71 following an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease.

In addition to targeting primary energy buyers, the new law introduces strict measures against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior figures within the Russian government, major banks and financial institutions, and Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers utilized to bypass existing international restrictions. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a New York Democrat, previously characterized the legislation as "scorching sanctions" designed to throttle the Russian military apparatus.

The legislation does contain specific exemptions. The 48-page bill provides relief for countries that import less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and are actively working to reduce their energy dependency on Moscow.

Trade data compiled by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air highlights the scale of the energy flows being targeted. According to CREA figures covering December 2022 to August 2026, China accounted for 50% of Russian crude exports, while India followed closely behind, accounting for 37%. During the same timeframe, Turkey and the European Union each accounted for 5% of exports, though energy shipments to the EU have steadily decreased.

Senator Graham had spent years pushing the Trump administration to adopt more aggressive measures to penalize Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Prior to his death shortly after returning from a diplomatic trip to Kyiv, Graham was recognized as a fierce advocate for Ukraine on Capitol Hill during a period when Republicans were deeply divided over foreign aid and the scope of American involvement abroad.

The legislation drew immediate praise from Ukrainian leadership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked President Trump for signing what he described as "critically important legislation."

Writing on social media, President Zelensky emphasized the late senator's legacy, stating that the best way to honor Lindsey's memory would be to implement the provisions of the new law fully and swiftly. He added that Senator Graham never doubted the strength of the United States in standing up to dictators and delivering results through decisive action.