A Trump-backed bill in the US Senate could give the president broad power to hit major buyers of Russian energy with tariffs of up to 100%. The proposal is described as part of a wider sanctions push, aimed at increasing pressure on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
According to the available details, the measure is bipartisan and would also extend US sanctions authority related to Iran through 2031. That makes the legislation broader than a Russia-only bill, linking energy pressure on Moscow with a longer timeline for existing US sanctions tools.
If enacted, the plan could have consequences well beyond Washington and Moscow. Major importers of Russian energy could face a difficult choice between maintaining purchases and risking steep US tariffs, a dynamic that may strain US ties with important trading partners.
The proposal also raises questions about the wider market impact. Expanding sanctions and threatening 100% tariffs on Russian energy buyers could disrupt trade flows and add volatility to global energy and financial markets, especially if large economies are forced to adjust supply chains quickly.
