Trump Signs Sweeping Sanctions Against Russia Over Ukraine War

US President Donald Trump has signed a major sanctions package targeting Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed on Friday, days after it received bipartisan support in the US Congress.

The new law imposes sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, oligarchs, banks and financial institutions. It also targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, as well as its so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers.

A key provision gives President Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting China and India, the two largest importers of Russian crude.

The legislation also extends sanctions against Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

Supporters of the measure say the sanctions are intended to reduce Moscow’s revenues and increase pressure on the Russian government to negotiate an end to the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the legislation, describing it as a powerful tool.

However, some US lawmakers have raised concerns that the new tariff powers could increase costs for American consumers.

Trump signed the law about a week before he is expected to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.

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