Trump administration backs Russian oil tariff bill in bid to end Ukraine war

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's administration officials have backed a bipartisan Senate bill that would impose steep tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, signaling a new push to increase economic pressure on Moscow as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

The White House's approval gives fresh momentum to legislation championed by Republican Sen Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Sen Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. The measure is designed to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into negotiations while Ukraine continues fighting on the battlefield.

White House backs bipartisan sanctions push

CBS News reported on Friday, July 10, that the Trump administration has approved the latest draft of the bipartisan Russia sanctions bill.

“Graham and Blumenthal both confirmed the White House's support, while a Ukrainian official said Graham informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday that the measure now has the administration's backing,” the report said.

The legislation would allow “high tariffs to be imposed on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and natural gas” after it becomes law, it said.

“India and China are identified in the bill” as the two largest buyers of Russian oil.

Graham told the outlet that Putin's continued attacks have influenced President Donald Trump's thinking and that the president has been persuaded by Ukraine's recent gains on the battlefield.

Both senators argued that "Ukraine is turning the tide on the battlefield" and said Putin now needs to be brought to the negotiating table.

Senators say timing favors tougher action

Blumenthal said he expects Democratic support for the legislation, though he did not provide a vote count. He also said recent declines in oil prices following the cooling of the conflict with Iran have made sanctions "a more palatable decision."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune previously told lawmakers he would move the bill once sufficient votes were secured. The Senate returns to Washington on Monday.

Blumenthal also pointed to what he described as additional progress for Ukraine following Zelenskyy's meetings with Trump during the NATO summit.

According to Blumenthal, Zelenskyy secured a long-sought license to produce Patriot interceptor systems and convinced Trump to approve purchases of Ukrainian-made drones for US use.

He noted that Zelenskyy had directly requested the production licenses from Trump during an appearance on ‘Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan’ in May.

Graham, Blumenthal expect to introduce the legislation soon

Graham, Blumenthal, Democratic Sen Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Sen Roger Wicker of Mississippi said they expect to introduce the legislation "very soon."

In a joint statement, the senators said, "As Russia intensifies its slaughter of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to exact a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling the Putin war machine."

One source told the outlet that Zelenskyy had already been notified of Trump's approval of the tariff plan.

After meeting Graham in Kyiv on Friday, Zelenskyy wrote on X, "Lindsey briefed me on the work underway in Congress on the relevant bill."