Washington, Jan 8 (.) US President Donald Trump has approved a bipartisan proposal to expand sanctions on Russia, a move that could also increase pressure on countries such as China, India, and Brazil that continue to purchase Russian oil, according to Senator Lindsey Graham.
Graham said Trump gave his approval during a recent meeting, clearing the way for the legislation, titled the Sanctioning of Russia Act of 2025, to advance toward a bipartisan vote in Congress, possibly as early as next week.
Writing on X, Graham said the bill is intended to strengthen Washington’s negotiating position as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue. He argued that while Kyiv has shown flexibility in peace talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has failed to match those efforts.
The proposed legislation would authorise sweeping penalties, including sharply increased tariffs on Russian imports and measures targeting foreign governments and companies that buy discounted Russian oil. According to Graham, the goal is to cut off revenue streams that support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine.
“This legislation would give the president significant leverage over countries still financing Russia’s war effort through energy purchases,” Graham said, pointing specifically to China, India, and Brazil.
According to the US Congress website, the bill includes provisions to raise duties on Russian goods entering the United States to at least 500 percent, along with additional sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Moscow.
The push for tougher sanctions comes amid renewed diplomatic activity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US officials this week, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to discuss possible diplomatic paths toward ending the conflict.
Trump has recently linked sanctions and trade policy to Russia’s energy exports, particularly criticising India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. Speaking at a House GOP retreat, Trump said tariffs imposed on Indian goods had strained ties, even as he described his personal relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as positive.
“I have a very good relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” Trump said, while adding that disagreements over trade and energy had caused friction.
The Trump administration has already imposed tariffs totaling 50 percent on certain Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s energy dealings with Moscow. Trump has also warned that further tariff increases remain possible if U.S. concerns are not addressed.
Indian officials have pushed back on Trump’s claims, denying that Modi ever assured Washington that India would halt Russian oil purchases, and emphasizing that no such commitment was made.
The proposed sanctions bill now heads toward congressional debate, where lawmakers from both parties are expected to weigh its economic and geopolitical implications.. .
