President Donald Trump has signed new legislation expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran, originally introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
Key facts
- •The act is officially titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.”
- •Senator Lindsey Graham, who introduced the bill, passed away in July 2026.
- •The legislation passed the House of Representatives on September 17.
- •The law allows for 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian energy.
- •Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked President Trump for signing the bill.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” into law. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives on September 17, authorizes expanded sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions against Russia while extending existing measures against Iran.
Scope of the New Sanctions
The law grants the U.S. president the authority to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest purchasers of Russian energy. It further authorizes sanctions targeting Russia’s defense, energy, and financial sectors, as well as its shadow fleet and nearly all members of the country's political and military leadership.
Legislative Debate and Reaction
The bill faced opposition from a significant number of Democrats in the House, who expressed concerns that the president might utilize the law to justify new import tariffs. Representatives from major businesses also voiced objections, warning of potential unintended consequences for consumers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the signing, noting the late Senator Graham's commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
