US President Donald Trump has signed a bill authorizing new sanctions against Russia, aimed at pressuring Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation, approved by US lawmakers, targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. The bill also focuses on Moscow's shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western sanctions.
The legislation allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, potentially affecting China and India. This move aims to cut off revenue financing Moscow's war efforts. The bill also targets companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military and extends sanctions involving Iran. The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the package by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the legislation as "symbolic" and thanked US lawmakers. He stated that the bill is "an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war and bring Russia to the point where it has to make peace." Zelensky emphasized that sanctions must be strong to support joint diplomatic efforts with the US, Europe, and other friends.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce reacted to the legislation, saying it reserves the right "to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard China's national sovereignty and development interests, as well as the legitimate and just rights and interests of Chinese companies." India, a key strategic partner of Russia, said it would continue buying oil "through diversified sourcing."
Supporters of the legislation argue that tougher economic pressure is needed against Moscow, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Pro-Ukraine activists celebrated the Congress vote, pointing to continuing Russian attacks, including drone strikes on civilian transport in Ukraine's south that killed five people.
Trump has generally preferred to retain control over sanctions and tariffs rather than have Congress dictate policy, which helped delay the measure for over a year. The president's signing of the bill comes a week before he is due to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Washington. The meeting may be influenced by the new sanctions and Trump's authority to impose tariffs.
The signing of the bill reflects growing international pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine. The US and its allies continue to push for a mediated path towards peace, while Moscow intensifies its attacks. The effectiveness of the new sanctions and tariffs in achieving this goal remains to be seen.
Key points
- The bill targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.
- The legislation allows Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the legislation as "symbolic" and thanked US lawmakers for their support.
