Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly given the green light to a powerful bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia legislation that could also penalise countries continuing to buy Russian oil and uranium, including India, China, and Brazil. The development, confirmed by senior Republican leaders and White House officials, marks a major escalation in Washington’s economic pressure campaign against Moscow as the Ukraine war grinds on.
The proposed law, known as the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill, would authorise the US President to impose tariffs of up to 500% on nations found to be knowingly purchasing Russian energy or nuclear materials. Supporters say the bill is designed to choke off funding for Russia’s war effort, while critics warn it could severely disrupt global trade and strain US relations with key partners.
Trump “Greenlights” Bipartisan Russia Sanctions Bill
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time foreign policy hawk, said that Donald Trump has extended his support to the sanctions package after a recent meeting at the White House. According to Graham, the President has “greenlit” the bill, which has been under discussion for months and enjoys backing from both Republicans and Democrats in the US Senate.
A White House official later confirmed the development while speaking to the Associated Press, adding that while the administration had earlier sought revisions, Trump now appears open to moving the legislation forward.
This support is significant because Trump’s position will heavily influence whether the bill gains momentum in Congress, especially among Republicans who have been divided over the scale and timing of new sanctions.
What Is the Graham-Blumenthal Sanctions Bill?
The Graham-Blumenthal bill is one of the toughest Russia-focused sanctions proposals introduced since the war in Ukraine began. At its core, the legislation aims to:
- Punish Russia’s economy by reducing its energy revenues
- Discourage third countries from financing Moscow through oil, gas, or uranium purchases
- Give the US President sweeping authority to impose penalties without lengthy approvals
- Key Provision: 500% Tariffs
If passed, the bill would allow the US President to levy tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries that knowingly buy Russian oil or uranium. Such tariffs are extraordinarily high and could effectively shut targeted goods out of the US market.
Supporters argue that this level of pressure is necessary to force a change in Moscow’s behaviour. Critics counter that the measure risks triggering trade disputes and retaliation, especially from large economies.
Why India, China, and Brazil Are in Focus
Since Western sanctions were imposed on Russia, several countries including India, China, and Brazil have continued to import Russian oil, often at discounted prices. For India in particular, Russian crude has become an important part of its energy strategy, helping to manage inflation and fuel costs.
The bill does not single out specific countries by name, but its language makes clear that any nation purchasing Russian oil or uranium could face penalties. That puts emerging economies and strategic US partners in a difficult position.
India’s Energy Dilemma
India has consistently stated that its energy purchases are driven by national interest and affordability, not geopolitics. New Delhi has also pointed out that Europe bought far more Russian energy than India in the early stages of the conflict.
If the Graham-Blumenthal bill becomes law, India could face tough choices:
- Continue buying discounted Russian oil and risk US trade penalties
- Reduce imports and seek alternative suppliers at higher costs
- Negotiate exemptions or waivers with Washington
The situation highlights the growing tension between energy security and geopolitical alignment.
China and Brazil: Strategic Calculations
China remains Russia’s largest energy customer and is unlikely to alter its policy under US pressure alone. Brazil, while less dependent on Russian oil, has also maintained trade ties with Moscow.
Sanctions supporters believe that even the threat of 500% tariffs could change behaviour. However, analysts note that imposing such measures on major economies could have serious global economic consequences.
Targeting Putin’s “War Machine”
Senator Lindsey Graham has framed the bill as a moral and strategic necessity. In a public statement, he said the sanctions would be “well-timed,” arguing that Ukraine has made concessions for peace while Russian President Vladimir Putin continues military operations.
According to Graham, the goal is to cut off the financial lifelines that keep Russia’s military running. Energy exports remain one of Moscow’s most important sources of revenue, even after years of sanctions.
Ukraine War Nears Four Years
The Russia-Ukraine conflict is now approaching its fourth year, having begun with Russia’s invasion in 2022. Despite multiple rounds of sanctions, diplomatic efforts, and military aid to Kyiv, the war has dragged on with heavy losses on both sides.
The Trump administration is currently trying to finalise a peace deal to end the conflict. Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner are reportedly serving as the President’s chief negotiators.
Supporters of the sanctions bill argue that increased economic pressure could strengthen the US hand in negotiations. Critics worry that harsher sanctions could harden positions and make peace more elusive.
Legislative Timeline: What Happens Next?
Senator Graham has said that a vote on the bill could happen as early as next week, though he acknowledged uncertainty around the schedule. The US Senate is first expected to consider a scaled-back government funding package currently under review in the House of Representatives.
The following week is a Senate recess timed to Martin Luther King Jr Day, which could delay progress. Even with bipartisan support, the bill must navigate a crowded legislative calendar and internal debates over scope and flexibility.
White House Seeks Flexibility
Earlier, the White House had insisted on revisions that would give the President greater flexibility in applying sanctions. While it is unclear whether these changes were fully incorporated, Trump’s reported support suggests a compromise may have been reached.
This flexibility could be crucial in managing relations with allies and partners, allowing waivers or delayed enforcement in certain cases.
Broad Support in Congress
The Graham-Blumenthal bill boasts dozens of co-sponsors in the Senate, reflecting rare bipartisan agreement on the need to confront Russia economically. A companion bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Republican lawmaker Brian Fitzpatrick.
Such broad backing increases the chances of passage, though final approval will depend on negotiations between Congress and the White House.
Global Economic Impact: High Stakes Ahead
If enacted, the sanctions could reshape global energy markets. Potential impacts include:
- Higher oil prices due to reduced Russian exports
- Increased competition for Middle Eastern and US crude
- Trade tensions between the US and major emerging economies
Economists warn that while sanctions can be effective, overly aggressive measures risk unintended consequences, including inflation and supply disruptions.
A Delicate Balance for the US
For Donald Trump, supporting the sanctions bill is a balancing act. On one hand, it signals toughness on Russia and support for Ukraine. On the other, it risks alienating countries Washington needs as strategic and economic partners.
The administration’s challenge will be to apply pressure on Moscow without triggering a wider trade conflict that could harm the global economy.
A Turning Point in Russia Sanctions Policy
Trump’s backing of the Graham-Blumenthal sanctions bill marks a potentially decisive moment in the US response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. By threatening unprecedented tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and uranium, the legislation aims to cut off the financial fuel of Moscow’s war machine.
For India, China, Brazil, and others, the bill raises urgent questions about energy security, trade relations, and geopolitical alignment. For the world, it underscores how deeply interconnected global economics and geopolitics have become.
As Congress debates the proposal and the White House pushes for a peace deal, the coming weeks could shape not only the future of the Ukraine war but also the structure of global energy trade for years to come.
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