A bipartisan group of US Senators has introduced a new sanctions bill that proposes tariffs of up to 100% on exports from India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan for continuing to purchase Russian oil.
The legislation, backed by the White House, aims to reduce Russia’s energy revenues and increase pressure on Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Lawmakers said the bill could be passed before August if it secures congressional approval.
Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Senator Richard Blumenthal said the proposed tariffs would be narrowly targeted at the five largest buyers of Russian oil. He added that the bill also includes provisions related to countries importing Russian natural gas, while exempting nations that account for less than 15% of Russia’s total gas exports and are actively reducing their purchases.
Besides tariffs, the proposed legislation introduces sweeping sanctions on Russia’s energy, defence, financial and industrial sectors.
The new proposal is a revised version of the Sanctioning Russia Act, introduced last year, which had proposed tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing Russian energy. That bill failed to advance because of concerns over its severity and limited political support.
According to lawmakers, the revised legislation adopts a more balanced approach by reducing the maximum tariff to 100% while retaining flexibility for implementation.
Senator Blumenthal said the final tariff rate would be determined by the US Trade Representative after assessing the circumstances. Any decision to lower the tariff would require reporting and certification to Congress.
The senators also paid tribute to late Senator Lindsey Graham, who played a key role in shaping the sanctions legislation before his recent passing. Graham had been one of the strongest advocates for imposing economic pressure on Russia and countries purchasing its energy exports.
The proposed bill comes at a time when India and the United States are engaged in discussions to expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties, making the legislation a closely watched development for both countries.
