Trump signs Russia sanctions bill

President Trump signed legislation on Friday that expands sanctions on Russia and Iran. The bill passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support.

Graham's legacy in the bill

The legislation was championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died two months ago and long advocated for stronger U.S. support for Ukraine and tougher measures on Russia.

Zelenskyy thanks Trump for signing

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called the bill critically important and thanked Trump and Congress members who supported it. He said the law honors Graham's memory by maintaining pressure on Russia.

“The best way to honor Lindsey's memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly.”

What the bill targets

The legislation allows primary and secondary sanctions on Russia and supporting countries, targeting oligarchs, banks, and Russia's shadow fleet of tankers used to evade existing sanctions.

Tariff powers and Iran provisions

The bill allows the president to impose tariffs on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, and the top five countries aiding Russia's sanctions evasion. It also prevents a lapse in sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

Kremlin says sanctions block peace

Russian officials condemned the bill, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying additional sanctions will complicate peace efforts. Dmitry Medvedev called it Russophobic.

“The introduction of any additional sanctions by the United States will definitely complicate efforts to find a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.”

House Democrats split on the vote

The House passed the bill 262 to 159, with Democrats divided. Fifty-eight Democrats voted for it while 152 voted against, joined by seven Republicans. The Senate approved it 86 to 11.