Trump Signs Lindsey Graham Bill Imposing Tariffs of Up to 100% on Buyers of Russian Oil

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a law that expands sanctions against Russia and allows for tariffs of up to 100% to be imposed on the largest buyers of Russian energy resources.

This was announced by the White House.

The bill is named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was one of the initiators of increased sanctions pressure on Russia.

The law allows for tariffs of up to 100% to be imposed on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas.

The bill also provides for sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, and other individuals associated with the Russian government. Certain provisions are aimed at preventing circumvention of existing restrictions.

In addition, the law extends sanctions against Iran. The inclusion of these provisions was previously supported by the Donald Trump administration.

On September 16, the bill was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, after which it was sent to the president for his signature. Prior to that, on August 7, the Senate had passed it.

As reported by Militarnyi, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 86 to 11. The final version differs significantly from the original bill proposed by Lindsey Graham.

Initially, the bill proposed imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, and other goods.

In the final version, the maximum rate was lowered to 100%, and the application of these tariffs was focused on the five largest importers of Russian oil and the five largest importers of natural gas.

While he was still alive, Graham explained the necessity of the bill by noting that purchases of Russian energy resources provide Moscow with revenue that it can use to finance the war against Ukraine. Among the largest buyers of Russian oil, he specifically mentioned China and India.

At the same time, the law grants the U.S. president considerable discretion in applying the measures it provides for, particularly regarding exemptions and the lifting of sanctions once a peace agreement is reached.