Trump Greenlights Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill With Potential 500% Tariffs on Oil Buyers

President Donald Trump has given his approval to a new bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia’s economy and the nations that continue to trade with Moscow, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced Wednesday, setting the stage for a pivotal congressional vote as early as next week.

The legislation — known as the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 — is designed to ramp up economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, while giving the White House expansive authority to penalize countries that continue to import Russian energy and other exports. Although the bill has yet to be passed by Congress, Trump’s endorsement marks a major shift in Washington’s approach to sanctions enforcement.

What the Bill Would Do

Under the proposed legislation, the United States could impose punitive tariffs of up to 500% on goods and services imported into the U.S. from any nation that purchases Russian oil, natural gas, uranium, petroleum, or petrochemical products. That provision would apply unless the country is actively supporting Ukraine or otherwise exempted under conditions set by the bill.

Sen. Graham said the measure would give the president “tremendous leverage” over countries like China, India, and Brazil, which remain significant buyers of Russian crude despite Western sanctions, arguing that continued purchases help finance President Vladimir Putin’s war machine.

“This bill will allow President Trump to punish those countries who buy cheap Russian oil fueling Putin’s war machine,” Graham said in a statement posted on X after meeting with the president.

Ramifications for Global Trade

A 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue trading with Russia would be extraordinarily punitive — far above typical trade barriers — and could effectively cut off access to the U.S. market for products from targeted countries. The bill’s dramatic tariff provisions are meant to discourage foreign governments from undermining sanctions by buying discounted Russian energy.

The strategy could have broad implications for global trade, especially with major energy importers such as India and China, both of which have relied on discounted Russian oil since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Brazil is also mentioned specifically as a potential target because its purchases of Russian energy increased after the war began.

Bipartisan Backing, But Hard Questions Remain

The bill has drawn bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties collaborating on the framework. A companion bill has been introduced in the House, and senators are reportedly hoping for a vote in the coming week.

However, analysts and diplomats warn that the measure could spark major diplomatic and economic fallout if implemented — especially with countries that, while not aligned with Russia politically, have maintained energy trade ties out of economic necessity. Critics have pointed out that such tariffs could strain U.S. relations with key allies and complicate efforts to build broader global consensus on sanctions enforcement.

Trump’s Role and Global Context

Trump’s decision to back the bill comes as international efforts to broker peace in Ukraine continue, and as the administration seeks to balance punitive measures with diplomatic engagement. While Trump has been more willing than past leaders to escalate economic pressure on Russia, he has also shown a desire to keep strategic options open, including waivers that could exempt certain countries based on U.S. interests.

Sen. Graham framed the sanctions bill as a timely response to Russia’s ongoing aggression amid stalled peace talks and recent concessions by Ukraine.

A vote on the bill could come as soon as next week, though timing depends on the Senate’s legislative calendar and negotiations over broader government funding.