Legislation introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham proposes imposing 500% tariffs on any country acquiring Russian uranium, gas, or oil.
Senator Lindsey Graham has stated that US President Donald Trump has privately encouraged legislators to move forward with a bill designed to impose secondary sanctions on Russia’s trade allies.
This legislation would grant Trump the authority to levy at least a 500% tariff on commodities and services originating from any nation engaged in trade involving Russian oil, uranium, gas, or associated commodities. Graham, who sponsors the bill, had previously struggled to gain traction for the measure, but Trump indicated his approval, stating he would be “OK” with its passage earlier this week.
Graham informed journalists on Wednesday that Trump had directed Senate Majority Leader John Thune during the weekend to expedite the legislation.
“President Trump instructed Thune Sunday, while we were golfing: move the bill,” Graham recounted, noting that within hours, the White House conveyed a statement confirming its “signed off on the bill.”
He mentioned that a conference call was slated for later that day with members of the House and Senate to deliberate the proposal, which he contended the US requires as “leverage” in negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine.
Addressing reporters, Thune characterized Graham’s bill as “an important tool” potentially capable of facilitating a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine. He expressed doubt about its passage this year, nevertheless, citing the Senate’s already packed December schedule.
Trump has increasingly advocated for sanctions targeting nations purchasing Russian oil in recent months, expressing dissatisfaction with the progress of discussions between Moscow and Kiev. In August, he levied a 25% tariff on Indian imports due to New Delhi’s ongoing oil commerce with Russia and subsequently cautioned China about comparable actions. He has also implored NATO and EU members to escalate tariffs on Russia’s trade partners in an effort to compel Moscow into a ceasefire.
Russia has consistently stated its objective is a long-term, enduring peace agreement in the Ukraine conflict, achieved by tackling its underlying issues instead of agreeing to a temporary cessation, which it perceives as a tactic to allow Ukraine to rearm and reconstitute its forces. Moscow has routinely denounced Western sanctions as politically driven and unlawful, cautioning that these measures will ultimately prove counterproductive.