US senators on Tuesday unveiled a revised version of a Russia sanctions bill that seeks to pressure Moscow and its major energy buyers, including India and China, while easing some of the toughest provisions from the original proposal.The bipartisan legislation, originally championed by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to impose sanctions on Russian officials and target countries that continue importing Russian oil and gas through tariffs and other economic measures.The updated bill reduces the maximum tariff threat on major buyers of Russian energy from the earlier proposed 500% blanket tariff to a maximum of 100% on the top five purchasers, as per Reuters.The revised measure comes days after Graham died suddenly, shortly after announcing that he had reached an agreement with US President Donald Trump to advance the legislation.
Bill targets Russia’s energy revenues, includes India and China
The sanctions package is aimed at reducing the flow of revenue that helps finance Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.Under the revised version, tariffs would primarily apply to the world’s top five purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas. China and India are among the largest buyers of Russian energy, according to lawmakers.The top five purchasers of Russian crude oil are China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan, while the leading importers of Russian natural gas include China, France, Japan, Hungary and Belgium, Senate aides told Reuters.The bill also targets Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers, which Moscow uses to transport oil outside traditional Western shipping and insurance networks.It includes sanctions against Russian financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Russia, as well as major state-backed energy projects such as Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG projects.However, the revised bill provides exemptions for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas supplies from Russia and taking steps to reduce dependence on Moscow. The provision could potentially exclude countries such as Japan, France, Hungary and Belgium.
Revised bill seeks wider political support
The changes were made after concerns that the original proposal could hurt US allies and global energy markets.Supporters of the legislation had pushed for stronger measures against countries continuing to purchase Russian energy, arguing that such revenues allow Moscow to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine. However, some lawmakers warned that sweeping tariffs could damage relations with partners that also support Kyiv.The revised version also gives President Donald Trump the authority to waive sanctions if he determines they are in the US national interest.A Senate aide said the changes were necessary to secure broad backing for the legislation.“This is the only product that currently has buy-in from everybody and is likely the only product that is going to move forward and put pressure on Russia the way we would all like to get,” the aide told Reuters on condition of anonymity.The bill has attracted support from both Republican and Democratic senators, with aides saying it already has 26 co-sponsors and more lawmakers were expected to join.
Bill seen as part of Lindsey Graham’s legacy
The legislation has gained renewed momentum following Graham’s death on Saturday.Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, had worked with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut on the measure for more than a year. Graham had returned from Ukraine shortly before his death and had discussed progress on the bill with Trump.Blumenthal said he supported naming the legislation after Graham, calling it part of his legacy.“It’s part of his legacy,” Blumenthal said, according to news agency AP.Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer urged lawmakers to bring the bill to the floor quickly “in honor of Lindsey”, saying it would help Ukraine and receive overwhelming support.Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed optimism about advancing the measure.“It would certainly be an incredible legacy for him if, in fact, we can find a path forward,” Thune said.
Trump signals possible expansion of sanctions
Trump has backed the legislation and said he believes it has a strong chance of becoming law.“This is in honor of Lindsey. This was his thing. He wanted this more than anything. You know how he felt, and there’s a good chance that it gets done,” Trump told reporters.The US president also suggested that sanctions targeting Iran and Hezbollah could potentially be added to the bill, calling such measures a “very big thing”.However, Blumenthal cautioned against expanding the scope of the legislation.“With all due respect to the president, he has approved this bill, and we should move forward with this bill rather than opening it, in my view, to other potential targets,” he said, according to Reuters.The revised bill now moves closer to Senate consideration as lawmakers seek to balance pressure on Russia with concerns over global energy markets and diplomatic relations with major US partners.
