How US Senate Russia sanctions could spell 100% tariffs for India, China | Russia-Ukraine war News
U.S. Congress Advances Bill for Russian Sanctions, Potentially Affecting Key Energy Buyers
A significant sanctions package targeting Russia has received initial approval in the U.S. Congress. If enacted, the legislation could result in substantial tariffs for nations such as India and China, which have continued to purchase oil from Moscow.
The proposal, officially titled the “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026,” advanced in the Senate with a vote tally of 86-12 this week. The act is named in memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent supporter of Ukraine, whose funeral was attended by global leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, present in Washington for the funeral, expressed support for the bill, stating, “It was an honor to be present as the votes were counted.” He emphasized the importance of the bill as a first step towards peace in the region.
Following its passage in the Senate, the bill will face a delay before moving to the House of Representatives, which is currently in recess for the summer.
President Donald Trump recently called for an amendment to include tariffs related to Iranian oil, a move that analysts predict may complicate the bill’s approval. David Smith, an associate professor at the University of Sydney’s U.S. Studies Centre, pointed out that concerns exist among Democrats about the expansion of tariff powers, particularly regarding countries that buy Iranian oil, including China.
Without the Iran-related provisions, Smith suggested the bill would likely pass through the House due to substantial Democratic support for efforts to aid Ukraine.
The legislation seeks to employ sanctions and tariffs to sever Russia’s economic support for the war in Ukraine. Key elements include new sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and over 20 officials and companies associated with the Russian defense sector. It also aims at Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers that facilitate evasion of international sanctions.
The bill would grant the President authority to impose tariffs as high as 100% on exports to the U.S. from the top five buyers of Russian energy and military equipment. Additionally, it allows for tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, with U.S. imports from Russia totaling $3.8 billion in 2025.
China, India, and Turkey are identified as potential targets due to their status as significant buyers of Russian energy. Historically, China has responded to U.S. tariffs with its own counter-tariffs. Experts suggest the U.S. may delay tariff implementation ahead of a scheduled meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this year.
India faces challenges in diversifying its energy sources due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and has sought and received U.S. sanction waivers to continue purchasing Russian oil, a trend expected to continue. Analysts indicate India must balance energy security with the risk of U.S. tariffs.
Opponents of the bill, including Senator Maggie Hassan, argue that it grants Trump excessive power to impose tariffs, potentially adversely affecting U.S. taxpayers and allied nations. Critics emphasize that countries like Turkey and Brazil, both of which continue to import Russian energy, are vital partners for the U.S. and should be considered in the legislative process.
As the bill progresses, lobby groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have voiced concerns that tariffs could ultimately increase costs for American businesses and consumers. While previous tariffs instituted by Trump have faced legal challenges, experts believe the current proposal may have a stronger legal foundation due to its grounding in new legislation.
