Senate Advances Russia Sanctions Bill With 500% Tariffs

U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal are leading bipartisan efforts to impose new, severe sanctions on Russia in response to its ongoing war against Ukraine, with plans to advance legislation that would enact 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. Following their recent trip to Kyiv and meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, they emphasized the urgency of these sanctions to counter Russia's military plans and to send a strong message to China and India about buying cheap Russian oil. The bill, known as the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, has garnered significant bipartisan support with 82 co-sponsors in the Senate, exceeding the threshold needed to override a presidential veto, and efforts are underway to move it through both chambers of Congress before the upcoming G-7 summit. While President Donald Trump has not yet officially endorsed the bill, senators report optimism about his support amid increasing frustration with President Vladimir Putin and calls for a ceasefire. Ukrainian forces recently demonstrated significant operational capability by striking Russian air bases deep inside Russia, highlighting the ongoing conflict's intensity and the need for continued U.S. support through both military aid and economic sanctions. Experts caution about potential Russian responses, including possible visible retaliatory actions, though nuclear use remains uncertain.