Russia sanctions bill in the US could grant Trump new tariff authority that could also target the EU

The Russia sanctions bill advancing in the US Senate, while aimed at targeting Moscow's war revenues, has created a new source of concern in Europe. According to a report by Sözcü, the bill could grant President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries seen as linked to the trade of Russian oil and gas.

The text, prepared by Republican Senatör Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senatör Richard Blumenthal, envisions stricter economic pressure against Russia. It is noted that the bill gained momentum in Congress following Graham's sudden death last month. The final fate of the text remains uncertain due to the House of Representatives entering its summer recess.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed his support for the bill in a statement made alongside senators in Washington. Stating, “This bill is very important,” Zelenskyy said the regulation sends a strong message to Europe, Ukraine, and the Ukrainian people.

THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL CLAUSE OF THE BILL

In addition to primary sanctions against Russia, the text includes provisions targeting banks, financial institutions, government officials, oligarchs, and ships referred to as the “shadow fleet.” However, the section causing the most controversy stands out as Article 113.

This article grants the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on all imports from countries that are among the top five importers of Russian oil and gas or that “facilitate” the evasion of sanctions on Russian oil. Countries making new purchases of Russian energy products can also fall within the scope.

Those defending the bill state that the primary targets of the regulation are China and India. It is emphasized that these two countries' purchases of Russian fossil fuels provide significant revenue to the Kremlin. However, according to experts, the broad and vague language in the text could put US allies in a risky position in practice.

Maria Shagina from the International Institute for Strategic Studies stated that the bill was structured around tariffs rather than sanctions tools to attract Trump's interest. According to Shagina, the regulation could expand the president's trade powers rather than establishing lasting economic pressure on Russia.

UNCERTAINTY FOR THE EU

At the root of the risk for the European Union is the fact that bloc countries have not yet fully exited from Russian fossil fuels. According to the report, the EU continues to be one of the major consumers of Russian LNG ahead of the permanent ban planned to take effect in January 2027. It is reported that imports reached approximately 10 million metric tons in the first half of this year.

Although the bill provides for a limited exemption for countries that have taken “significant steps” to reduce Russian gas purchases, the fact that this assessment is left entirely to the discretion of the White House creates anxiety in European capitals. It is assessed that the US administration could target EU countries by citing the increase in imports or broad interpretations regarding the evasion of sanctions.

Alan Sykes, a professor of international law at Stanford University, stated that there are many uncertainties in the text, noting that the interpretation of who buys the most Russian oil and gas or who “primarily” facilitates the evasion of sanctions will be critical.

Nevada Joan Lee from the European Council on Foreign Relations argued that the White House already has broad powers to target Russia with sanctions. According to Lee, the bill creates a new, discretionary tariff weapon approved by Congress; therefore, it presents a worrying picture for Europeans.