Updated Russia sanctions bill backed by late Senator Graham revealed

The United States is preparing legislation that would allow President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on major importers of Russian oil and gas, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has reported.

The bill, which was strongly backed by late Senator Lindsey Graham, could be introduced in Congress as early as this week. The proposed legislation targets the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas, with China and India identified as the leading buyers.

Under the draft measure, the US president would be granted authority to unilaterally impose tariffs of up to 100% on specific countries and individuals deemed to be facilitating the sale of Russian energy resources. Analysts cited by the newspaper noted that this would mark the first time Congress explicitly authorises the use of tariffs as a geopolitical tool.

In addition to tariffs, the bill provides for sanctions targeting Russia’s defence, financial, and energy sectors. Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” would also be targeted by the proposed restrictions.

According to the report, the current version of the legislation represents a compromise between Congress and the White House, which sought to preserve maximum flexibility for Trump in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Earlier versions of the bill were reportedly more stringent, proposing tariffs of up to 500% on goods imported from any country purchasing Russian raw materials.

The legislation would also provide a clearer legal basis for presidential action, helping to avoid potential legal disputes following a US Supreme Court ruling that limited a president’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally under emergency powers legislation.

By Jeyhun Aghazada