US President Donald Trump has signed the Russia sanctions bill into law, paving the way for the imposition of up to 100 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, putting India and China under threat.

Trump’s nod came two days after the Republican-led House of Representatives passed the package by a vote of 262-159.

The legislation, ‘Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 ‘, is named after Senator Lindsey Graham – one of Ukraine’s staunch defenders in Washington. He died in July this year shortly after returning from a trip to Kyiv.

The legislation seeks to reduce the financial resources sustaining Russia’s war against Ukraine. It targets Russian officials, banks, energy interests, and foreign entities supporting Moscow’s military operations. The law authorises Trump to impose tariffs on countries doing business with Russia to cut their dependence on Russian oil and gas.

According to the House Ways and Means Committee, the legislation directs tariffs of up to 500 per cent on Russian goods. It also provides for duties of up to 100 per cent on goods from countries covered by its Russian oil and gas purchase provisions – which cover major Russian energy importers and leading facilitators of oil sanctions evasion.

Additionally, the bill includes sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior figures in the Russian government.