awaited ‘sanctions from hell’ law against Russia. It gives him 30 days to act and broad authority to suspend the restrictions. — Meduza

Key Points:

• U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new sanctions package against Russia, expanding tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russian defense, energy, financial sectors, and leadership, with authority to impose 100% tariffs on imports from major Russian energy buyers.
• The law, initially proposing 500% tariffs by Senators Lindsey Graham (deceased) and Richard Blumenthal, was scaled back and requires sanctions to be imposed within 30 days, though the president can suspend them for national security reasons.
• China and India, as the largest importers of Russian oil, are indirectly affected, but the law does not specify target countries, giving the president broad discretion; Trump's signing may provide leverage ahead of his September 24 meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the legislation as critical and urged full and swift implementation, while Russian officials condemned the sanctions, warning they would hinder peace negotiations and signaling a hardline response.
• Reports indicate the U.S. administration is also exploring business deals with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, reflecting a complex approach combining sanctions with diplomatic engagement.