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U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation imposing and expanding sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine, while authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas and extending existing sanctions on Iran, the White House said.
The measure, formally known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was approved by the Republican-led House of Representatives on Wednesday in a 262-159 vote after passing the Senate last month 86-11 with strong bipartisan support.
The legislation authorizes primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and entities supporting its war in Ukraine.
It targets Russian officials, oligarchs and their family members, banks and financial institutions, companies and foreign actors supporting Russia’s military, as well as the country’s energy and defense sectors.
The measure also targets Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, along with Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western sanctions.
Trump is also authorized to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that purchase large amounts of Russian oil or gas or help Russia evade sanctions. The measure could affect major Russian energy buyers including China and India.
India said Thursday it would continue purchasing oil “through diversified sourcing.”
The law also extends existing sanctions related to Iran.
The broad tariff powers created divisions among Democrats, who largely support Ukraine but have resisted giving Trump greater authority over trade.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump’s signing of the bill, calling the legislation “critically important” and thanking the president and lawmakers who supported it.
Zelenskyy said the measure reflected an approach long advocated by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who repeatedly called for maintaining and strengthening economic pressure on Moscow during visits to Ukraine.
He said Graham had emphasized pressure not only on Russia but also on countries buying Russian oil, providing financial services to Moscow or allowing companies linked to Putin and the war to maintain normal business relations abroad.
“The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
“And the best reward for everyone helping us put pressure on Russia to end its war will be peace,” he added.
Zelenskyy said peace required strength, security and resolve, while thanking the U.S. and those supporting Ukraine.
Trump’s signing also comes a week before he is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.
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