President Donald Trump has threatened to utilize newly granted tariff powers to pressure Russia into ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This move could impact major buyers of Russian energy, including India and China, as the U.S. considers imposing tariffs of up to 100% on nations purchasing Russian oil and natural gas.
Last week, Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, which provides him with the authority to levy these tariffs. In his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump emphasized that he would use these powers if necessary to facilitate a resolution to the war in Ukraine, while urging an end to the hostilities.
The legislation also targets Russian officials, financial institutions, and the energy sector, with sanctions aimed at networks accused of helping Moscow circumvent existing international restrictions. The approach aligns with Washington’s ongoing efforts to bring Russia to the negotiating table over the Ukraine conflict.
While the law does not automatically impose tariffs on India or China, it grants the U.S. president the discretion to apply these measures, leaving the extent of their impact dependent on future decisions by the administration. Both India and China are among the largest importers of Russian energy, and the potential tariffs could significantly affect their economies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed support for the new sanctions law, indicating his readiness for further discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. The latest legislative measures represent an escalation in the U.S.’s strategy to pressure Russia and its energy trade partners, as the international community continues to seek a peaceful resolution to the war.