Trump signs Graham-backed sanctions law allowing 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian energy
President Trump has signed legislation associated with Senator Lindsey Graham that authorizes U.S. sanctions not only against Russia but also against third countries supporting Russia's war effort through trade, including 100% tariffs on purchasers of Russian energy resources. The House had passed the Graham-Blumenthal bill early on September 17, Kyiv time, with decisive support from 58 Democrats — though 42 Democrats from the Ukrainian caucus voted against it. The law signals rare cross-party consensus on escalating economic pressure on Russia.
Key points
- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Graham-Blumenthal bill around 2 a.m. Kyiv time on September 17, 2026.
- The law allows U.S. sanctions against Russia and third countries supporting Russia's war effort through trade, including 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian energy resources.
- 58 Democratic representatives voted in favor; 42 Democrats from the Ukrainian caucus voted against, representing California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked House members, senators and Congressional leaders for supporting the bill.
- During 2022–2025, Democrats gave more than 200 votes for Ukraine-related initiatives, compared with far lower support for this bill.
- At least 8 votes in favor came from the Blue Dog Coalition; specific Democrats cited military-base communities in their districts as motivation.
Why it matters
The law broadens the reach of U.S. sanctions beyond Russia itself to any country trading with Russia or helping it evade restrictions, potentially reshaping global energy and trade flows. The authorization of 100% tariffs on buyers of Russian energy gives the executive a powerful economic lever against major purchasers such as China and India. It also represents a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on ramping up pressure on Moscow, even as the administration's public rhetoric has emphasized peace negotiations.
What happened
Around 2 a.m. Kyiv time on September 17, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Graham-Blumenthal bill, which establishes a mechanism for secondary sanctions — customs duties on goods and services from countries that consume Russian and Iranian oil. The bill passed with the decisive support of 58 Democratic representatives, though 42 Democrats from the Ukrainian caucus, an inter-party group of 73, voted against. Those 42 represent California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Maryland — states whose governors are seen as potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders. President Trump subsequently signed the law, which permits 100% tariffs against countries purchasing Russian energy resources. Ukrainian President Zelensky thanked House members, senators and Congressional leaders for backing the bill.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
The Ukrainian-language op-ed frames the Graham-Blumenthal law as a major escalation tool, highlighting its potential impact on third countries that trade with Russia. The author, political scientist Serhiy Taran, emphasizes the bipartisan nature of U.S. support for pressuring Russia as a positive signal for Ukraine, while noting that populist currents in some European countries are pushing in the opposite direction, toward reducing support for Kyiv.
Where reporting differs
The author's analysis diverges from the law's stated reach: while the legislation permits 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian energy, the author argues Trump is unlikely to actually impose them broadly against major buyers like China or India, predicting instead that he will use the law selectively as a political tool to pressure specific countries he believes are helping Russia evade sanctions.
Background
Democrats have long criticized Trump for being perceived as too favorable toward Putin. Within the Republican Party, classical Reagan-tradition Republicans are described as gaining influence over MAGA-aligned supporters. In some European countries, a populist discourse is pushing to reduce support for Ukraine.