Under the proposed legislation, duties on all Russian imports into the United States would be increased to at least 500 per cent of their value.
The proposed legislation aims to penalise nations that, according to the US, are “fueling Putin’s war machine” by purchasing discounted crude from Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war.
While the bill has not yet been passed, Graham indicated that it could be taken up for a bipartisan vote as early as next week.
Trump ‘greenlights’ bipartisan Russia sanctions bill
In a post on X on Wednesday (local time), Lindsey Graham said, “After a very productive meeting today with President Trump on a variety of issues, he greenlit the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that I have been working on for months with Senator Blumenthal and many others.”
Graham said the timing of the bill was significant as Ukraine is making concessions for peace, while Russia continues military action.
“This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine,” Graham wrote, adding that it would give Trump “tremendous leverage” over India, China and Brazil.
Bipartisan vote on Russia sanctions likely next week
The senator hinted that the bill could be put to a bipartisan vote as early as next week. He expressed confidence in strong cross-party support, calling the legislation a crucial diplomatic tool amid peace negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
What is the ‘Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025’?
According to the official website of the US Congress, the bill is titled the “Sanctioning of Russia Act 2025.” It proposes sweeping punitive measures, including penalties on individuals and entities linked to Russia.
One of the key provisions includes raising duties on all goods and services imported from Russia into the United States to at least 500 per cent of their value.
Zelenskyy meets US delegation amid peace talks
On January 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met members of the US delegation, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The discussions focused on diplomatic pathways to end the Russia-Ukraine war, signalling renewed efforts to push Moscow towards negotiations.
Trump claims PM Modi unhappy over tariffs linked to Russian oil
Earlier, Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unhappy over the high tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods due to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
Speaking at the House GOP Member Retreat, Trump said that although his relationship with PM Modi remains cordial, the tariff issue had caused some strain.
“I have a very good relationship with PM Modi, but he is not happy with me as India is paying high tariffs,” Trump said.
US warns of more tariffs if India continues Russian oil imports
Trump also warned that Washington could raise tariffs further if India does not address US concerns over Russian oil imports. The tariffs, totalling 50 per cent, were imposed as the US views India’s oil purchases as indirectly supporting Russia’s economy during the war.
“They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy,” Trump said, adding that India had reduced tariffs “very substantially”.
India rejects Trump’s claim on Russian oil assurance
India has earlier rejected Trump’s assertion that PM Narendra Modi had assured him New Delhi would stop purchasing Russian oil. The government clarified that no such conversation or commitment had taken place.
New Delhi has consistently maintained that its energy decisions are driven by national interest and affordability, especially amid global fuel price volatility.
Inputs from ANI
