Trump gets a new strike tool against the Kremlin
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Act, expanding sanctions against Russia and imposing tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy or helping to circumvent restrictions. Political scientist Serhiy Taran stated on Kyiv24 that Trump now has additional leverage in negotiations. The law is supported by both U.S. parties but leaves the president room for exceptions.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Act, which expands Washington's sanctions capabilities against Russia and its partners. The document, signed on September 18, 2026, provides for tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that are major buyers of Russian oil and gas or that help Moscow circumvent restrictions. Political scientist Serhiy Taran, speaking on the Kyiv24 channel, noted that Trump now has an additional lever of influence in negotiations, including with China, whose visit to the U.S. may be canceled. The law also imposes restrictions on Russia's energy and defense sectors, financial structures, and vessels of the "shadow fleet." The bill was approved by the House of Representatives with 262 votes against 159 and supported by the Senate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump and Congress for passing the law. However, the law leaves the U.S. president room for exceptions, so its signing does not automatically mean the imposition of maximum measures against all countries cooperating with Russia. Taran also emphasized that Trump will have to consider sentiments in Congress, where the issue of pressure on Russia remains part of the political agenda.