US President Donald Trump has signalled strong support for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 — a tough new bill aimed at forcing Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.
Introduced in April by Senator Lindsey Graham, the legislation proposes not only more sanctions on Russian businesses and officials but also a massive 500% tariff on goods and services from any country that buys Russian-origin oil, gas, uranium, or petroleum products. This measure could directly impact major buyers like India and China.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said he’s “looking at it very strongly,” adding that the bill’s implementation and termination would be at his discretion. His comments come as frustration grows in Washington over Putin’s refusal to engage in peace talks. Recently, Trump also approved sending more defensive weapons to Ukraine, signaling a tougher stance.
The bill has wide bipartisan support, with over 80 co-sponsors in the Senate. Its secondary sanctions and tariffs aim to isolate Russia economically by punishing countries that keep buying its energy exports. There’s also a provision allowing the US President to issue a one-time 180-day waiver (with a possible extension) if it aligns with US national security interests.
India, the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, is watching closely. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that Indian diplomats have spoken with Senator Graham to share concerns about energy security and the potential impact of the proposed tariffs.
If passed, the Sanctioning Russia Act would be one of the most aggressive US moves yet — targeting both Russia and its trading partners, with huge implications for global energy markets and America’s relations with countries like India.