US may impose 500% tariffs on countries trading Russian energy.

Washington-(Special Corresponded)-President Donald Trump has endorsed a bipartisan bill that would allow the United States to impose sweeping sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, including China, India, and Brazil, as Russia continues its war in Ukraine, according to a senior US senator.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Trump gave the green light to the legislation after what he described as a “very productive” meeting with lawmakers. The proposed Sanctioning Russia Act, co-sponsored by Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, would authorize the president to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on imports from countries doing business with Russia’s energy sector.

Graham said the bill is designed to target nations buying discounted Russian oil that he claims is helping finance Moscow’s military campaign. He added that the legislation would provide significant leverage over major economies to pressure them into reducing energy trade with Russia.

Despite existing US and European sanctions, China and Russia remain major buyers of Russian oil.

• China purchased nearly 50% of Russia’s crude exports in November.

• India took about 38% of Russian oil exports.

• Brazil had sharply increased imports after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine but has reduced purchases in recent months.

The bill comes as Washington continues to push for pressure on Russia while supporting ongoing Moscow-Kyiv negotiations brokered by the US.

Trump Announces US Withdrawal From 66 Global Bodies

Separately, the Trump administration expressed support for European proposals for binding security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes post-war truce monitoring and the deployment of a European-led multinational force, though Russia has yet to indicate acceptance of NATO involvement.

Graham noted that the sanctions bill was “well-timed” as Ukraine makes concessions for peace, while he criticized Putin for continuing to attack civilians.

If enacted, the legislation would significantly expand US leverage over international energy markets, potentially reshaping trade relationships with major economies like China and India. Analysts say the move could increase tensions with targeted nations and influence global oil pricing, while reinforcing US support for Ukraine.

The bill also signals a broader US strategy to penalize countries indirectly supporting Russia’s military campaign, applying both economic and diplomatic pressure.