Zelensky hails ‘very important’ Russia sanctions bill as India faces 100% US tariff threat

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday welcomed the US Senate’s decision to advance a sweeping Russia sanctions bill, calling it a “very important” step toward increasing pressure on Moscow and moving closer to peace.

Zelensky, who is in Washington, watched the bipartisan 86-12 procedural vote from the Senate gallery before thanking US lawmakers for backing the legislation.

“Ukraine is thankful for this very important bill,” Zelensky said, stressing that tougher sanctions were not only vital for weakening Russia’s war effort but also sent a strong political and moral message to Europe.

The legislation, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to tighten economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The vote came on the day of Graham’s funeral, adding symbolic significance to the proceedings.

In a post on X, Zelensky said it was an honour to witness the Senate vote and described the bill as “the first step toward implementing Lindsey Graham’s plans and certainly a step toward peace.”

He also thanked US senators for recognising Ukraine’s battlefield efforts and its ability to respond to Russian attacks.

India among countries facing tariff risk

Originally introduced in April 2025 and backed by President Donald Trump earlier this year, the bill authorises the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase significant amounts of Russian oil or natural gas.

India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan are among the countries that could be affected if the legislation becomes law.

The bill includes an exemption for countries that import less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and are actively reducing those imports.

Potential impact on India

India, currently the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian crude after China, could face fresh trade challenges if the sanctions are implemented.

The US had already imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods in August 2025 over New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases, raising total tariffs to 50%.

With India and the US still negotiating a broader bilateral trade agreement aimed at lowering tariffs, the proposed sanctions could further complicate economic ties between the two countries.