World News

Trump enacts bipartisan Russia sanctions package authorizing energy tariffs

The legislation targets Russian banks and tankers while permitting tariffs on leading energy buyers.

Updated Sep 19, 2026 · 01:27 UTC5 reports

The short version

President Trump signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law following broad bipartisan approval in Congress.[The Guardian · Deutsche Welle]
The legislation targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and shadow energy tankers, while authorizing tariffs up to 100% on top Russian fossil fuel buyers.[Deutsche Welle]
Democratic lawmakers voiced concern over granting broad presidential tariff powers, while Moscow warned the measures could impede peace efforts.[The Hill · Deutsche Welle]

President Trump signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law after it passed the Senate 86-11 and the House 262-159.[The Guardian · Deutsche Welle]
The measure sanctions Russian officials, banks, and shadow energy tankers, and authorizes up to 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil or natural gas.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
The legislation maintains sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors through 2031.[Al Jazeera · Deutsche Welle]
Exemptions exist for countries importing under 15% of their natural gas from Russia that are actively reducing their dependency.[BBC News · Deutsche Welle]
Democratic lawmakers criticized the bill for transferring extensive tariff powers to the executive branch, citing potential consumer price increases.[The Hill · The Guardian]

The extent to which the president will implement the discretionary tariffs against major Russian energy purchasers remains unspecified.[The Guardian · Deutsche Welle]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.