Washington, September 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump has signed legislation expanding sanctions against Russia, including provisions authorising tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers or facilitators of Russian oil and gas, while also extending US sanctions authority against Iran for another five years.
Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Friday. The White House said the legislation expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia and extends existing sanctions measures against Iran.
Under the law, the President is directed to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, or countries among the five biggest facilitators of efforts to evade sanctions on Russian oil, according to a statement from Republican Senator Katie Britt.
The signing announcement and statements from lawmakers did not identify which countries could face the tariffs or specify country-by-country rates.
The legislation provides an exemption for countries where Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total natural gas exports, provided those countries are taking significant steps to reduce their imports, Britt’s office said.
The measures also extend beyond energy. They target Russian officials, oligarchs and their family members, foreign individuals, Russian banks and financial institutions, as well as vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The law provides for primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and entities or individuals supporting its war in Ukraine.
Britt, an Alabama Republican, joined Trump during the signing ceremony in the Oval Office. Representative Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, also attended.
“By signing this bill today, President Trump sent a clear message to Russia, and any countries that help fund its war machine, that the United States stands unified in our opposition to their acts of aggression against Ukraine,” Britt said.
She credited lawmakers from both chambers and the White House for helping secure passage of the legislation, while also highlighting Senator Lindsey Graham’s role in advancing the measure.
Republican Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, who supported the legislation, said the additional economic restrictions were intended to strengthen efforts to end the war.
He said the conflict had continued for too long and argued that Russia should not be allowed to claim victory.
FOLLOW NOW
