Senate Passes Sanctions Bill Targeting Russian Oil Buyers

The U.S. Senate passed a sweeping bipartisan sanctions bill on Friday, August 7, 2026, that would grant President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries that are among the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas. The legislation, named the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed by a vote of 86 to 11 and now moves to the House of Representatives, which is currently in summer recess and is expected to consider the measure after returning around August 31.

The bill is designed to pressure Moscow by targeting the revenue streams that fund its war in Ukraine. It authorizes the president to levy tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as the top five countries facilitating sanctions evasion. During Senate debate, China and India were identified as the countries most likely to be affected, though other nations such as Japan and some European states could also be included depending on their import levels and eligibility for exemptions. The legislation provides that countries whose Russian natural gas imports are under 15 percent of Russia's total gas exports and...