72 Senators Back Graham’s ‘Bone-Crushing’ Sanctions on Russia

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said Thursday that at least 72 senators now support his proposed legislation that would impose 500% tariffs on any country purchasing oil, gas, uranium, or other petrochemical products from Russia—a sanctions package he has described as “bone-crushing.”

Speaking to Bloomberg, Graham said President Donald Trump is growing “frustrated” with the lack of progress in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

The remarks come on the heels of the signing of the long-debated “Minerals Deal” between Washington and Kiev, along with the subsequent unfreezing of $50 million in U.S. weapon exports to Ukraine. With the U.S. now economically invested in Ukraine, hardliners in Washington appear to feel emboldened, and fears that Trump might pull support from Kiev seem to have eased for the moment.

Graham’s comments also coincided with Trump’s announcement of sweeping secondary sanctions against countries purchasing oil and petrochemicals from Iran. Under the policy, nations continuing such purchases will be barred from doing business with the United States.

It remains unclear whether President Trump will ultimately support Graham’s sanctions bill. However, with over two-thirds of Senate backing, the legislation would likely have enough votes to override a potential presidential veto—assuming similar support in the House of Representatives.

Countries such as China and Iran, which are among Russia’s major energy clients, are unlikely to comply with U.S. demands. And with much of Russia’s energy exports now flowing east, the bill may have little impact on Russian gas distribution.

Should the U.S. impose 500% tariffs on countries engaging in trade with Russia, it could further strain the already fragile American economy, which just reported a 0.3% contraction in the first quarter of 2025.

With the Trump-led peace talks having collapsed and Russia now demanding direct negotiations with Kiev, Trump’s commitment to Ukraine may deepen the longer he delays pulling out of the process altogether—something he and members of his administration have recently threatened.