The President of the United States Donald Trump, after approval by the Congress this week, he signed a law which introduces a broad package of sanctions against Russian officials e key sectors of the country's economy, designed to punish and put pressure on Moscow for the ongoing war against UkraineIn preparation for over a year, the bill passed with large bipartisan majorities: 86 to 11 in the Senate and 262 to 159 in the House.
The aim is to deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue the war in Ukraine, which began with the invasion of the neighboring country in February 2022. The bill, co-authored by Senator Richard Blumenthal, introduces sanctions against Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of oil tankers that the Kremlin uses to circumvent existing Western sanctions and continue exporting energy.
The law also allows Trump to impose duties up to 100% ai five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that purchase less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and that have taken significant measures to reduce such imports.
Senator Lindsey Graham's Legacy
The measure represents the last political legacy of the deceased Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally and friend of the president, who had just returned from Ukraine when he died suddenly in July. "I wish Lindsey were here to mark this historic day. I know he would be very proud. Lindsey believed that this legislation, which he worked on for well over a year, would help end the war, squeeze Putin financially, and force his clients to rethink their relationship with Russia," Senator Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham's sister, said in a statement Friday.
Darline Graham has been appointed to complete her brother's senatorial term, which expires January 3, 2027.
Despite broad support in Congress, the measure has drawn criticism from a group of Democrats, who favor an even tougher line toward Russia but are concerned that Trump might use his newly expanded tariff powers to impose additional duties on the European Union and other partners.
Zelensky: "Thank you, Trump, and now let's implement the sanctions."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky He thanked US President Donald Trump for signing the Russia sanctions bill into law. "The best way to honor Lindsey's memory would be to fully and swiftly implement the provisions of this law," he said.
“When Lindsey Graham was here in Ukraine,” he writes on X Zelensky, “constantly emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia, strengthening sanctions, and seeking a path to peace. This is particularly true for those capitals that choose to purchase Russian oil, provide financial services to Russia, and allow Russian companies with ties to Putin and the war to conduct normal business in other countries. Senator Graham never doubted for a moment that America had the strength to stand up to dictators and get results by doing the right thing. I thank President Trump for signing this critically important legislation.”
