US lawmakers have introduced a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and its energy trade partners in a bipartisan move aimed at intensifying economic pressure on the Kremlin.
The legislation, unveiled in early April by Senators Lindsey Graham (R) and Richard Blumenthal (D), follows President Trump's March warning on Truth Social that harsh tariffs and sanctions would be imposed if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Among the bill’s most striking provisions is a proposed 500% tariff on imports from countries that continue buying Russian oil, gas, or other raw materials — marking one of the toughest economic measures considered since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Graham, who is one of President Donald Trump’s key allies, confirmed the bill has the backing of 72 senators.
"The measures will be enacted if Russian dictator Vladimir Putin fails to begin serious negotiations to end the war in Ukraine," Graham told reporters.
“The goal is to help President Trump.”
According to the bill reviewed by Bloomberg, the proposed penalties include a 500% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, petroleum products, natural gas, or uranium. Additional sanctions will ban US citizens from purchasing Russian sovereign debt.
The senator highlighted that he wants the war to end through negotiations.
“But these sanctions reflect the Senate’s position: we see Russia as the main bad actor,” Graham said.
He also warned that Putin will be making a huge mistake by trying to “play games” with Trump.
“When President Trump believes we’ve hit a dead end — expect action,” Graham said.
Senator noted that he has enough support in the House of Representatives to introduce the sanctions bill there as well. Putin, he added, will ultimately have to choose between meeting with Trump and ending the war, or facing the “destruction” of the Russian economy.
On April 28, Trump once again called on Putin to halt hostilities and strike a deal to end the war, though he added that he’s unsure whether the Russian dictator is truly serious about ending the "conflict".