Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, aiming to choke off funds for Moscow in Ukraine war | WBAL Baltimore News

President Donald Trump signed into law a broad sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, officials, banks, and energy supply to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine. The bill, backed by Republicans and Democrats and including up to 100% tariffs on top Russian oil and gas importers, aims to choke off Moscow’s resources, though some lawmakers warned it could trigger broader tariff spillovers; its passage followed a lengthy push from late Sen. Lindsey Graham and required Trump’s assurance on sanction flexibility.

Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, aiming to choke off funds for Moscow in Ukraine war | WBAL Baltimore News # Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill, aiming to choke off funds for Moscow in Ukraine war - By - September 18, 2026 President Donald Trump boards Marine One on the Ellipse near the White House, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russian officials and key pillars of its economy that is meant to punish and pressure Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine . The measure was a final legacy item for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally and friend of the president who had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July. In the works for more than a year, the bill passed with large bipartisan margins: 86-11 in the Senate and 262-159 in the House . It’s meant to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbor more than four years ago. The bill, also drafted by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sanctions Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving. It also directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports. “If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passag…

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