President Donald Trump is backing the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, legislation designed to impose tariffs of at least 500% on countries buying Russian energy. According to a report by CNN, the White House confirmed its support for the measure. The Wall Street Journal has also reported that the bill would specifically target China and India as major buyers of Russian oil. Notably, the bill also grants Trump the authority to waive sanctions if deemed in U.S. national interest, and includes exceptions for countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and taking meaningful steps to reduce those imports.
The proposed legislation would raise duties to at least 500% on Russian imports and on goods from countries that knowingly engage in the exchange of Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products. Congress stated that the measure aims to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, thereby fueling the Putin war machine.
Senators Push Sanctions Measure
The push for the bill follows an announcement from Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who confirmed they had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to move the updated sanctions legislation forward. Trump had previously greenlit Graham's 500% tariff plan, which specifically targets Russian oil buyers such as China, India, and Brazil.
Shaheen urged Congress to pass the measure following Graham's sudden death, framing the legislation as a tribute to his work on Ukraine. "There can be no more fitting memorial to Lindsey, his legacy, or the causes he fought for, than to pass this legislation and realize his long-held dream of an independent and secure Ukraine," she said in a statement.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The following table outlines the core elements of the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025:
| Provision: | Details |
|---|---|
| Tariff Rate: | At least 500% |
| Target Goods: | Russian-origin uranium and petroleum products |
| Sanction Triggers: | Refusal to negotiate peace, violation of deal, new invasion, subversion of government |
| Target Nations: | Countries buying Russian energy (e.g., China, India, Brazil) |
| Presidential Waiver: | Trump granted authority to waive sanctions if deemed in U.S. national interest |
| Import Exception: | Countries importing less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and taking meaningful steps to reduce those imports |
Succession and Next Steps
Graham had returned from Kyiv shortly before his death and stated that the White House deal meant the bill was likely to advance. "We've reached an agreement with the White House on a version of the Russian sanctions bill that they will support. It means it's going to become law," Graham had said. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as his temporary replacement in the Senate. A special GOP primary will be held to determine the party's nominee for the full term.