Washington: The US Senate has passed a bill to impose new sanctions on Russia and countries that continue buying its oil and gas. The measure could allow President Donald Trump to levy tariffs of up to 100 per cent on imports from India and four other countries.
The bipartisan measure, passed by an 86-11 vote, was driven by the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s campaign to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and strengthen US support for Ukraine. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to consider it when lawmakers return later this month.
The bill would allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from the largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, including India and China. However, countries that rely on Russia for less than 15 per cent of their natural gas and are initiating measures to reduce those imports may be exempted, as reported by The New Indian Express.
“Today, President Zelenskyy is watching from Ukraine — and Putin is watching from Moscow,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “I would like to think Lindsey Graham is watching, too. Today we say to the people of Ukraine: You are not alone. And today we say to Vladimir Putin: You will not conquer Ukraine.”
Bill Targets Russian War Economy
The package, named after Graham, also proposes sanctions against Putin, senior Russian officials and military commanders, financial institutions and energy projects. It would further target ageing oil tankers allegedly reflagged to bypass existing restrictions.
The president would retain the power to waive sanctions or other measures if the White House certifies to Congress that doing so is in the national interest.
Senator Darline Graham, appointed to succeed her brother, said: “This legislation hits Putin where it hurts.”
Ukraine welcomed the Senate vote. “Together, we are bringing a lasting peace closer,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post.
Senator Todd Young called the measure “important as a moral signal to a country that is weary and tired, though holding its own.”
Senator Jeanne Shaheen said the move could pressure Putin to reconsider peace efforts. “If we can’t shut down the funding for the war machine that Russia is using against Ukraine, then they’re going to keep at it,” she said.
Critics Warn Of Wider Tariff Powers
The Senate rejected an amendment from Republican Rand Paul and Democrat Ron Wyden that sought to remove the tariff provision.
“We’ve got folks who are walking an economic tightrope here in America,” Wyden said.
Senator Raphael Warnock said he had secured assurances on safeguards. “We should not have to choose between putting a check on Putin’s aggression and putting a check on this president’s tariffs regime,” he said. “If Trump oversteps his power, we will see him in court.”
House Democrat Gregory Meeks criticised the bill, saying it could “weaponize” tariffs. “It would allow President Trump to dodge holding Russia accountable and impose yet more tariffs in his destructive trade wars, leaving Americans to foot the bill,” he said.
