US Senate Seeks 500% Tariffs on Russia, Trade Partners Amid Ukraine War

In response to Russia's intensified military attacks on Ukraine, U.S. senators have introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, proposing 500 percent tariffs on all Russian imports and goods from countries continuing to purchase Russian energy resources like oil, gas, and uranium. The bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, aims to pressure Russia and its trade partners, including major buyers such as China and India, by turning Russia into a "trade island." Despite broad congressional support, President Donald Trump has expressed reservations, fearing the tariffs could undermine global trade and diplomatic relations, and has shown a conciliatory stance toward Russia, including exempting it from earlier tariffs and reducing aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized Trump for his silence and lack of action against Russian aggression, especially amid recent large-scale Russian aerial bombings that resulted in significant civilian casualties. While some Republican senators are considering advancing the bill without the president's approval, the Trump administration warns that imposing such sanctions might jeopardize ongoing peace talks. Lawmakers argue these measures are essential to hold Russia accountable and deter further escalation in the Ukraine conflict.