US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russia, including senior officials, banks and the tanker fleet used to transport its energy exports.
The measure is intended to restrict the resources available to Russian President Vladimir Putin as Moscow continues its war against Ukraine. It was approved with large bipartisan majorities, passing the Senate by 86 votes to 11 and the House by 262 to 159.
The legislation directs Mr Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five biggest importers of Russian oil or natural gas. An exemption applies to countries importing less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports that have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
It also imposes sanctions on Russian officials and banks, as well as a shadow fleet of tankers which has helped keep Russian energy moving.
The bill was a final legacy measure for the late senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally and friend of Mr Trump. Mr Graham had returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July.
Although the legislation secured overwhelming support on Capitol Hill, some Democratic lawmakers criticised the expanded tariff powers it gives the president. They warned that Mr Trump could use them to impose fresh levies on the European Union and elsewhere.
The package had been more than a year in the making, with the White House seeking to ensure Mr Trump retained sufficient flexibility over sanctions. His approval eventually followed the inclusion of his demand for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran.
