Trump Signs Sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill Named After Lindsey Graham

President Donald Trump signed a bill into law on Friday, September 18, 2026, imposing a new round of sanctions against Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

The legislation, formally known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorizes the president to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas. It also sanctions Russian President Vladimir Putin, other Russian officials and entities, and extends sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors. The bill targets Moscow's shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western sanctions.

The House of Representatives passed the package by a 262-159 vote on Wednesday, September 16, and the Senate approved it 86-11 in August. The legislation was named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who co-drafted the bill with Senator Richard Blumenthal. Senator Darline Graham Nordone, Graham's younger sister, introduced an updated version after her appointment to his seat following his death in July.

Graham had met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine roughly 36 hours before his unexpected death. The bill aims to apply economic pressure on Moscow by targeting resources needed to continue the war with Kyiv, which began in February 2022. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump for signing the critically important legislation, stating its full and swift implementation would best honor Graham's memory.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called it a truly historic day, expecting intensified pressure on Russia. The Kremlin previously stated further U.S. sanctions would complicate peace efforts in Ukraine, and Russia’s former president Dmitry Medvedev suggested military deterrence as a response. Democratic officials expressed concern that the bill grants Trump broad tariff authority without oversight. The actual implementation of the law's provisions depends on presidential decisions.