US Advances Russia Sanctions Bill After Trump Approval
The United States is moving forward with a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill after President Donald Trump gave his support for the legislation, a senior US senator said. The bill, which has been worked on by lawmakers from both parties for months, is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine.
President Trump met with key lawmakers and confirmed he would allow the legislation to advance to a vote in the US Senate, potentially as early as next week, according to Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. The Senate is preparing to take up the bill once procedural steps are completed.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
The sanctions package would authorise the US government to impose secondary sanctions and tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian energy and other exports. Under the proposed provisions, the president could levy tariffs of up to 500% on goods and services from nations that knowingly import Russian crude oil, natural gas, uranium, or petroleum products. The aim is to cut off financing that supports Russia’s war effort.
Senators have highlighted that major energy importers such as China, India and Brazil could face pressure under the measure, although the bill itself does not single out any country by name.
Bipartisan Support and Next Steps
The Russia sanctions bill has strong bipartisan co-sponsorship and a companion version in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers backing the bill say it enhances US leverage to influence international behaviour and weaken Russia’s economy amid continued conflict in Ukraine.
White House officials have expressed support for the measure, and both chambers of Congress are expected to debate its details before a vote. If passed by Congress, the bill would give the president broad authority to implement sanctions and tariffs aimed at isolating Russia economically.
