President Trump signed a sweeping Russia sanctions law, pairing economic pressure on Moscow with room for his administration to pursue peace talks.

Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Sept. 18. The measure targets Russian energy revenue and renews sanctions against Iran.

The law authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian energy. It also covers countries that help Russia evade existing sanctions.

The Hill reported that Trump had held the bill for months while seeking greater flexibility in negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He ultimately signed a measure that gives the White House substantial economic power.

That approach combines two tools: continued diplomacy and the threat of steep costs for governments that keep Russian energy money flowing. Trump preserved his negotiating role while gaining new authority to pressure Moscow’s customers.

Tariffs put Russia’s biggest energy customers on notice

The new law focuses on the money behind Russia’s war effort. Its tariff provision reaches major purchasers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, rather than limiting penalties to Moscow itself.

The Washington Examiner reported that the law also sanctions Putin, other Russian officials and Russian entities. It extends penalties into Iran’s energy and weapons sectors as well.

Breitbart reported that the package targets Russian banks, officials, energy networks and a shadow tanker fleet used to move Russian energy. Limited exceptions apply to the tariff authority.

The Senate approved the legislation 86-11. The House followed with a 262-159 vote, giving the bill large margins in both chambers before it reached Trump’s desk.

Those votes show that Congress wanted stronger economic pressure on Russia. But the House tally also reflected real opposition to giving the president broad tariff power.

Jeffries opposed the tariff power despite Russia sanctions support

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, voted against the bill. He argued that its tariff authority could raise costs for Americans.

Jeffries said Congress should not give Trump “unfettered authority” to impose more tariffs with a possible adverse economic effect at home. He ended his explanation with a blunt declaration: “I can’t do it.”

The objection highlights the choice Congress made. Lawmakers could authorize serious pressure on nations financing Russian energy exports, or leave the administration with fewer tools against those buyers.

Large majorities chose the first course. The law does not require every available tariff to be imposed at once. It gives the president authority to use that threat as negotiations and conditions develop.

Graham’s bill became law as peace efforts faced setbacks

The measure bears the name of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who championed and helped draft it. Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut also worked on the legislation.

Graham and Blumenthal designed the sanctions to cut resources Putin needs to sustain Moscow’s war effort. The bill’s passage turned that plan into presidential authority backed by strong congressional votes.

Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Moscow and Kyiv in September. A weekend ceasefire accompanied their trip, and Witkoff voiced confidence that trilateral talks could produce a “good resolution.”

But fighting resumed after the talks. Russia struck Kyiv and other major cities earlier in the week, and Ukrainian officials told Reuters that more than 20 people suffered injuries.

The renewed attacks gave the sanctions law an immediate purpose. Diplomacy remains the preferred route, but talks carry less weight when the other side sees no firm economic consequence for delay.

Zelensky called for swift enforcement of the new law

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the signing and thanked Trump and lawmakers who supported the measure. In a statement quoted by Just the News, he urged the United States to act quickly.

“I thank all the senators and members of the House of Representatives who supported it. The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly.”

Zelensky also said the goal should remain peace and an end to the problems created by the war. His response focused on implementation, since statutory authority matters only when an administration can use it effectively.

The New York Post reported that the law permits targeted tariffs on major importers of Russian oil or natural gas. It also extends sanctions affecting Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

Trump now holds a stronger hand against Russia’s energy customers without giving up direct negotiations. That balance reflects a basic principle: diplomacy works best when refusal carries a credible price.

Peace requires talks, but lasting peace also requires strength, clear limits and consequences for those who finance continued aggression.