Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions into law over Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump on Friday signed the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a sweeping sanctions package passed by Congress with rare bipartisan support. The law sanctions President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, oligarchs, banks, and Russia's energy and defence sectors, including the "shadow fleet" of tankers moving Russian oil. It gives Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, expected to hit China and India hardest, and extends sanctions on Iran's energy and weapons sectors. The bill passed the Senate last month and the House on Wednesday with 58 Democrats crossing party lines — the first major Ukraine-related bill to clear Congress in more than two years. It was co-written by late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal.