A bipartisan group of US senators has struck a deal with the Trump administration to move forward on what could become one of the most aggressive sanctions packages ever aimed at Russia. The legislation, if passed, would give the president authority to slap tariffs as high as 500% on countries and entities that keep buying Russian energy.
What’s actually in the bill
The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, formally designated S.1241, was introduced on April 1, 2025, by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). It targets the economic lifeline that keeps Russia’s war machine running: oil, gas, and uranium exports.
The mechanism is straightforward. Rather than sanctioning Russia directly, the bill goes after Russia’s customers. Any country or entity conducting business with Russia’s energy sector could face tariffs up to 500% on their own imports into the United States.
The bill has attracted 84 Senate co-sponsors and 151 in the House. Senator Graham announced in January 2026 that President Trump had effectively greenlit the legislation, clearing the way for a potential vote. The White House has also expressed reservations about the bill potentially constraining ongoing negotiations around peace talks with Ukraine.
