Washington, D.C. — Senator Lindsey Graham says a new sanctions bill could give former President Donald Trump a powerful way to deal with Russia, if he returns to the White House. He described it as giving Trump a “sledgehammer” to put real pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What the Sanctions Bill Is About
The bill, called the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, was introduced with support from both Republican and Democratic senators. It aims to make life harder for Russia by targeting the country’s main source of money—its oil and gas exports.
The bill would allow the U.S. to place huge tariffs—up to 500%—on countries that keep buying Russian energy. That means even big nations like China, India, and Brazil could be punished if they continue doing business with Moscow.
It would also hit Russian banks and oil companies with harsh penalties, making it harder for Russia to fund its war in Ukraine.
Why Graham Supports It
Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Senator Graham said this bill would give the next U.S. president (possibly Trump) the tools to force Russia to the peace table. He believes the war in Ukraine won’t stop unless Russia feels serious financial pain.
“This gives Trump a sledgehammer to go after Putin’s war machine,” Graham said. He added that more than 85 senators support the bill, and it’s likely to pass soon.
What Could Happen Next
If passed, this law would let the president punish not only Russia but also other countries helping Russia. However, the bill also gives the president the power to delay or adjust the sanctions for 6 months, giving some flexibility depending on how things go.
Graham believes that with Trump in office and this bill in place, the U.S. would have real power to deal with Russia. But some in the White House want changes—like giving the president more control over when and how the sanctions are used.
Concerns About the Bill
While many support the bill, there are some worries too. Critics say that hitting countries like India or Brazil with huge tariffs could hurt U.S. relationships around the world. Others say it might raise energy prices for Americans by shaking up the global oil market.
Still, Graham and other supporters argue that it’s a necessary step to stop the war and pressure Putin to negotiate peace.
Why This Matters
The war in Ukraine has been going on for over two years, and many people are looking for ways to bring it to an end. This new bill could give the U.S. stronger tools to do that—especially if Trump returns to the presidency.
Graham says it’s not just about punishing Russia. It’s about making sure future presidents, no matter who they are, have real options to deal with global threats.
