Kremlin criticizes new US sanctions bill against Russia passed by House
The US House of Representatives has approved a new sanctions bill targeting Russia, with the Kremlin warning it could hinder efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for signature.
On September 16, the US House of Representatives approved a new sanctions bill by a vote of 262 to 159, aimed at intensifying economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. The document will now go to President Donald Trump, who must sign it for it to take effect.
The bill, named the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" after Senator Lindsey Graham, was already passed by the Senate in August with a decisive majority. The House vote was the last major procedural step before the bill reaches the president.
Kremlin's response
Dmitry Peskov, press secretary for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Moscow is following the bill's progress and views the new sanctions as an "unfriendly action." He stated that additional US sanctions would certainly complicate efforts to reach a peaceful settlement to end the war in Ukraine. Foreign media have dubbed the legislation the "hell sanctions."
What the bill contains
The legislation expands sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and financial institutions, as well as against the so-called "shadow fleet" of vessels used to export oil while evading existing restrictions. One of its key provisions grants the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest buyers of Russian oil or gas, as well as on other countries that help Russia circumvent energy sanctions. However, the bill includes exemptions for countries that have already significantly reduced their imports of Russian energy resources.
If enacted, the Trump administration would gain an additional tool to pressure not only Russia but also countries that continue purchasing large volumes of Russian oil and gas — a major source of revenue for the Russian state.
