Two days after the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act was approved by the US house of representatives, US President Donald Trump signed it into law on Friday. The measure gives President Trump the power to impose tariffs of upto 100% on imports. Imports from the top 5 buyers of Russian gas and oil. It currently includes India.
It is an almost 18 months political drama that started in April 2025. Senators Lindsay Graham and Richard Bluementhal submitted a version of the current measure in the US senate. It has come to a conclusion with Trump’s signing of this new Russia sanction bill into law.
The main reasons for drafting the Russia sanctions measure were to cripple Russia’s energy export earnings. Also to compel Moscow to negotiate and end to the word in Ukraine after more than 4 years of combat
The Russia Sanctions Bill: What is it?
The “Lindsey O.” The Graham sanctioning Russia and Iran act of 2026 give President Trump the power to levy tariff of up to 100%. Tariffs on Nations like China and India that purchase Russian gas and oil.
It orders Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top 5 importers of Russian oil or natural gas. An exemption for countries that import less than 15% of precious natural gas exports and have made significant efforts to reduce those imports.
Trump has broad discretion over how the law is implemented. It also includes which nations are subject to tariffs, the dates at which they are applied or whether or not the punitive clauses are waived.
If a nation’s imports of Russian gas made up less than 15% of Russia’s total exports during the relevant period and it has taken “significant steps” to control imports, it is exempt from the gas related taxes.
The president can apply taxes of upto 100% on items imported from the Russian oil buying Nations. More significantly if they are the top 5 buyers of Russian natural gas or crude oil. It is measured according to the 12 month prior timeline. The law indeed takes effect within 30 days of the president signing it.
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