New Delhi: The United States Senate has advanced a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia that includes a provision allowing President Donald Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on imports from countries that are among the largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, including India and China.
The legislation received strong bipartisan backing, passing a key procedural vote by 86 to 12. The outcome moves the long delayed measure closer to final approval and reflects broad support in the Senate for increasing economic pressure on Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The bill proposes expanded sanctions against Russian government officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and the so called shadow fleet that has been used to transport Russian oil while avoiding existing international restrictions. It also authorises the US President to impose tariffs on goods from major importers of Russian energy, with India and China expected to be among the most affected if the powers are exercised.
However, the legislation includes exemptions for countries that import less than 15 percent of their natural gas from Russia and are actively working to reduce their dependence on Russian energy supplies. At the request of the White House, the revised bill also expands existing sanctions aimed at limiting financial support for Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
Supporters of the legislation argue that reducing Russia’s energy revenue is critical to weakening its ability to continue financing the conflict in Ukraine, which has entered its fifth year. They described the bill as an important step toward increasing economic pressure on Moscow while reinforcing US support for Ukraine.
Despite overwhelming support, some lawmakers have expressed concerns that the tariff provisions give the president broad discretionary powers and could increase costs for American consumers or negatively affect key trading partners.
The bill must still receive final approval in the Senate before moving to the House of Representatives. Since the House has already begun its summer recess, lawmakers are not expected to take up the legislation before September. If approved by both chambers, it will then be sent to President Trump for his signature.
