September 19, 2026 | 10:30 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law a sweeping package of new sanctions against Russia aimed at pressuring Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.
According to DW, the law, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, passed Congress with large bipartisan majorities. The Senate approved it 86-11, while the House of Representatives passed it 262-159.
The legislation also gives Trump new authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian energy or help Moscow evade sanctions.
Here is what to know about the new law, as reported by DW and The Guardian.
What Does the Law Target?
The legislation imposes new sanctions on Russian political and military officials as well as foreign networks that help supply Russia's war effort or evade existing sanctions.
It also targets key parts of the Russian economy, including banks, and Russia's so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers that transport Russian energy despite existing sanctions on its energy exports.
The measures are intended to increase pressure on Moscow by targeting its oil and natural gas revenues and the countries that continue to buy Russian energy.
How Do the Tariffs Work?
The law allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas.
However, the tariffs are not automatically imposed on every country that buys Russian energy. The law gives Trump broad discretion over whether and how to use the tariff provisions.
It also allows the president to impose sanctions on the five countries that do the most to help Russia circumvent energy sanctions.
The legislation gives Trump further discretion over whether certain sanctions provisions can be waived and which countries could face tariffs.
Could China and India Be Affected?
The new measures could further strain U.S. trade relations with China and India, both of which are significant buyers of Russian oil.
Their continued purchases of Russian energy mean they could potentially be affected if Trump uses the new tariff authority.
The law, however, does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on China, India or other Russian energy buyers.
What Does the Law Say About Iran?
The package also establishes a framework to maintain sanctions on Iran until 2031.
The Russia sanctions and Iran provisions are included in the same legislation named after Graham, the Republican senator who played a leading role in advancing the bill.
Graham was a staunch supporter of Ukraine and had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July.
Why Did Some Lawmakers Oppose It?
Although the bill passed with bipartisan majorities, some Democrats criticized the legislation for giving Trump excessive authority to impose tariffs.
The concern centers on the president's broad discretion over which countries could face tariffs and what tariff rates could be imposed.
According to The Guardian, Trump has already imposed tariffs on multiple countries, despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling prohibiting him from doing so under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
How Did Ukraine and Russia Respond?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump and the senators and House members who supported the legislation.
Zelenskyy also recalled Graham's position on maintaining pressure on Russia. “When Lindsey Graham was here in Ukraine, he would always talk about how important it was not to ease pressure on Russia, to strengthen sanctions and seek a path to peace,” he wrote on X, as cited by DW.
“The best way to honor Lindsey's memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly. And the best reward for everyone helping us put pressure on Russia to end its war will be peace,” Zelenskyy added.
Before Trump signed the legislation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that additional U.S. sanctions would hinder efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
Trump Bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House
5 jam lalu
US President Donald Trump has accused CNN, MS NOW and Politico of spreading fake news. The outlets have vowed to take legal action against the ban.
US, Denmark Reach Deal Over Greenland's Security, Trump Says
6 jam lalu
The agreement, described by Trump as giving Washington a permanent security role, comes as Denmark says it will benefit NATO and Europe.
Iran: Hormuz Strait Won't Reopen Until Trump, Netanyahu Are Removed
1 hari lalu
Iranian political adviser Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr calls the continued closure of the strategic waterway the "first stage" of Iran's response.
How the Trump Administration Weakens the Endangered Species Act
1 hari lalu
The Trump administration is narrowing Endangered Species Act protections, including for wildlife accidentally harmed by human activities.
Trump Hails 'Major Progress' in Setting Up US Base in Poland
1 hari lalu
Trump says the location of a permanent US military base in Poland could be announced soon, while praising Polish President Karol Nawrocki.
Canada's Carney Welcomes Associate Status Idea in EU Speech
1 hari lalu
Mark Carney wants to strengthen Canada's ties to the European Union amid a growing rift with the U.S. under Donald Trump.
Trump Threatens EU With Tariffs Over Canada Membership Plan
2 hari lalu
The EU had signaled that Canada is poised to become the bloc's first associate member. Trump called the idea both "laughable" and a "hostile act."
US Congress Passes Russia Sanctions Bill
2 hari lalu
The sanctions package is considered the most substantial US legislative effort against Moscow, Russia, since Trump returned to the White House.
AI leaders Call for Regulations, Trump Dismisses 'Hoaxes'
3 hari lalu
AI giants are working to create a standards body amid rising alarms about the dangers of the industry. Meanwhile, Trump has dismissed the warnings.
Russia: Trump's Ukraine Ceasefire Proposal is 'Good Idea'
3 hari lalu
The Russian government has welcomed United States President Donald Trump's suggestion that Russia and Ukraine should cease mutual attacks.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/9302675/original/000661800_1784602076-1000126784.jpg)
