The US Senate approved a new sanctions package against Russia, sending it to the House of Representatives. The bill, named the 'Lindsey O. Graham Russia Sanctions Act of 2026,' passed by a vote of 86 to 12.
The bill, named after Senator Lindsey Graham—a known supporter of Ukraine who passed away last week—targets Russian President Vladimir Putin, more than 20 senior officials, and defense industry companies. Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions is also covered by the legislation.
Broad powers for the president
The bill grants the US president broad authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Under these powers, the president can impose tariffs of up to 100% on exports to the US from the five largest buyers of Russian energy, military equipment, or goods that help Russia evade sanctions. Imports directly from Russia could face tariffs of up to 500%. The US imported $3.8 billion worth of goods from Russia in 2025.
Potential targets
According to data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), the largest buyers of Russian energy are China, India, and Turkey. These countries stand out as potential targets of the bill.
Even Pay of Beijing-based consultancy Trivium China said the US might suspend the tariffs ahead of President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping this year. Pay stated, 'If enacted, this measure would give Trump something he has long wanted: congressional approval to impose high tariffs on China, along with the few other countries that import Russian oil.'
India, meanwhile, is in a difficult position as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted its efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy. Maia Nikoladze of the Atlantic Council said that India has received a sanctions waiver from the US to temporarily continue purchasing Russian oil and may seek similar waivers in the future.
Criticism and legal uncertainty
The bill drew criticism from figures such as Senator Maggie Hassan. Hassan argued that while she supports sanctions on Russia, tariffs paid for by American businesses and consumers would not help Ukraine. The US Chamber of Commerce also opposes the bill on similar grounds.
David Smith of the University of Sydney's United States Studies Centre said that while Trump's previous tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court, this bill could be more legally sound because it relies on IEEPA. Smith assessed, 'This appears to be new legislation that will legally expand Trump's tariff authority.'
Meanwhile, President Trump has ordered amendments to the bill to include Iran. Analysts say this addition could reduce Democratic support and delay the bill's passage. With the House of Representatives in summer recess, further delays are expected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Washington for Graham's funeral, watched the Senate vote from the gallery and welcomed the outcome. On X, Zelenskyy said, 'This is a first step toward implementing Lindsey's plans and certainly a step toward peace.'
