US President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation authorising new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, after Congress approved the measure following months of delay.
Washington is seeking to revive diplomatic efforts to end the conflict as Moscow intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, even as US attention and military resources remain focused on the ongoing war with Iran.
The legislation, approved by lawmakers this week, targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.
It also targets Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers, which Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions, and gives Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The measure could affect major purchasers such as China and India, further increasing efforts to curb the revenues financing Russia’s war effort.
The Republican-led House of Representatives approved the package by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday.
The legislation also provides for sanctions against companies and foreign entities supporting Russia’s military and extends certain sanctions related to Iran.
However, the broad authority to impose tariffs triggered an unusual divide among Democrats, many of whom support Ukraine but have opposed giving Trump greater control over trade policy.
Tougher pressure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the legislation earlier, describing it as “symbolic” and thanking US lawmakers.
The bill represents “an extremely powerful tool that can stop this terrorist war and bring Russia to the point where it has to make peace,” Zelensky wrote on X.
“Sanctions must be strong so that all efforts for peace — including our joint diplomatic efforts with the United States, Europe, and our other friends — can succeed,” he added.
India said on Thursday that it would continue buying oil “through diversified sourcing”.
New Delhi, which considers Russia one of its key strategic partners, has turned to Moscow for energy supplies amid the crisis triggered by the US-Iran conflict, despite pressure from Western governments.
Supporters of the legislation said greater economic pressure was necessary against Moscow, which launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The congressional vote was welcomed by pro-Ukraine activists, who cited continued Russian attacks, including drone strikes on civilian transport in southern Ukraine on Wednesday that Ukrainian officials said killed five people.
Trump has generally sought to retain control over sanctions and tariffs rather than allow Congress to dictate policy, a position that contributed to the measure’s delay for more than a year.
The signing comes a week before Trump is due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, with the new sanctions potentially placing additional pressure on Beijing over its economic ties with Moscow.
AFP
