President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on September 18, marking the most significant expansion of U.S. sanctions against Moscow in years . The legislation authorizes new statutory sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and vessels, while extending existing measures against Iran by five years .
Key Provisions
The law targets Russia’s financial sector, energy revenues, and its so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers used to circumvent Western oil restrictions . It authorizes the President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas, though countries purchasing less than 15% of Russia’s total gas exports and taking significant steps to reduce imports are exempt .
The sanctions framework mandates blocking property and interests of designated Russian officials, including the President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and senior military commanders . It also prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with sanctioned financial institutions and restricts correspondent banking relationships .
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch praised the bill’s passage, stating it “will take aim at the Russian illicit shadow fleet which it uses to evade existing sanctions” . The Administration expressed support, noting the bill “supports President Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in the Russia-Ukraine war by strengthening the authorities he can use to encourage Russia to accept terms for peace”.
International Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Trump in a post on X, writing: “The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly” . He also acknowledged the late Senator Graham’s legacy, recalling his calls to strengthen sanctions during visits to Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the bill’s Senate passage on X, stating: “Together, let us drain Russia’s means to continue a war it cannot win”.
