WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — U.S. lawmakers have introduced a revised version of a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could reshape trade ties with countries buying Russian energy. The updated proposal lowers the maximum tariff on nations importing Russian oil and natural gas from the previously proposed 500% to as much as 100%. Even so, the measure still targets major buyers, including India and China, as lawmakers push to increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
The revised bill would give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. At the same time, it expands sanctions on Russian financial institutions, energy projects, and the country’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers. Supporters say the measure aims to weaken Russia’s economy and encourage an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Lawmakers first introduced the bipartisan legislation in April 2025. The proposal came from late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Since then, lawmakers have negotiated changes to gain broader political support and improve their chances of becoming law.
The biggest change reduces the proposed tariff rate. Instead of a blanket 500% tariff on countries buying Russian oil and natural gas, the new version allows tariffs of up to 100% for the top five buyers. As a result, India and China remain among the countries that could face higher trade costs if Trump chooses to use the authority.
In addition, the updated bill creates an exception for some countries. Nations that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and actively reduce those purchases could avoid the tariffs. That provision may benefit countries such as Japan, France, Hungary, and Belgium if they continue lowering their dependence on Russian gas.
Beyond tariffs, the legislation also expands sanctions against Russia. It targets the country’s shadow fleet of tankers, which often operates outside Western shipping services. Furthermore, the bill imposes restrictions on the Central Bank of the Russian Federation and other Russian financial institutions. It also focuses on major state-owned energy projects, including Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG 1, 2, and 3.
The revised proposal also gives Trump flexibility. Under the bill, the president could waive sanctions if doing so serves the U.S. national interest. Supporters say that the provision gives the White House room to respond to changing global conditions while keeping pressure on Russia.
According to Senate aides, lawmakers softened several provisions after months of discussions with the Trump administration. They said the revised language reflects a compromise that has broader political support.
One Senate aide told Reuters that the latest version has backing from key lawmakers and offers the best chance to increase pressure on Russia. The aide also said additional co-sponsors were expected to join the bill, signaling growing support in the Senate.
The legislation arrives as Russia’s war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year. U.S. lawmakers argue that stronger economic measures could reduce Russia’s ability to finance military operations. They also believe the proposal could encourage major energy buyers to diversify their supplies and reduce dependence on Russian exports.
However, the measure could also affect U.S. trade relations. China and India rank among the largest buyers of Russian crude oil. Therefore, any new tariffs could create fresh tensions between Washington and two of its biggest trading partners.
Trump also suggested expanding the legislation further. Speaking at the White House, he said lawmakers could add sanctions targeting Iran and Hezbollah. He described that possibility as significant and expressed confidence that the bill would eventually become law.
Trump also praised Graham’s role in advancing the legislation. He said the bill reflected the late senator’s long-standing effort to increase economic pressure on Russia.
Blumenthal, however, urged lawmakers to stay focused on the current proposal. He said Congress should move forward with the approved version instead of adding new targets that could delay its passage.
Another Senate aide told Reuters that the legislation already includes provisions that expose countries supporting Russia’s defense industrial base, including Iran, to potential sanctions and tariffs. As debate continues, lawmakers expect the bill to remain a key part of Washington’s strategy to increase pressure on Moscow while balancing broader U.S. trade and foreign policy interests.
