Trump signs law imposing new sanctions on Russia

US President Donald Trump has signed a new law aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia as it continues its military aggression against Ukraine.

What the law provides

The new law establishes sanctions targeting two core sectors of the Russian economy — energy and defense manufacturing. These sectors are closely tied to Russia's ability to finance and sustain its military operations in Ukraine.

Alongside the direct sanctions, the law grants the US president authority to impose high customs tariffs on countries that continue to purchase large volumes of Russian energy resources. This instrument allows the US administration to indirectly pressure third countries that still maintain significant trade ties with Russia in the energy sector.

Context

The signing of the law comes as the war in Ukraine continues and the international community looks for ways to increase pressure on Moscow. Sanctions on the energy sector are particularly significant, since oil and gas exports make up a substantial share of Russia's state budget revenue, which is also used to finance the war.

With the new measures, the US joins previously imposed sanctions packages aimed at limiting Russia's access to international financial resources and technology.