Trump Escalates Economic Pressure on Russia With New Sanctions Law That Could Hit Moscow’s Biggest Trading Partners With Tariffs

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law that expands U.S. economic pressure on Moscow.

Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill Into Law On Friday, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, according to the White House. The House passed the bill Wednesday after the Senate approved it last month.

It "authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia and extends existing sanctions on Iran," the statement read.

The legislation expands sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and defense sectors and its so-called "shadow fleet" of tankers used to circumvent existing restrictions, Reuters reported.

The measure is intended to restrict revenue that supports Russia’s war in Ukraine by targeting key parts of its economy and energy trade.

New Tariff Powers Target Russia Trading Partners The law also authorizes tariffs against major buyers of Russian energy, potentially extending the economic pressure beyond Moscow. The publication noted that critics say that the legislation gives Trump broad authority to impose tariffs that could remain in effect beyond his presidency. The critics also raised concerns that the expanded tariff powers could create economic risks for countries that maintain significant trade ties with Russia.

Putin Says Russia Has Faced 30,000+ Sanctions Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi that Russia has faced more than 30,000 sanctions, calling economic restrictions and trade barriers tools of geopolitical competition.

He said Russia has responded by strengthening ties with "reliable, predictable partners," while stating that its economy has grown faster than the global average over the past three years.