Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law

Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has signed a new legislative package into law, authorizing sweeping sanctions designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The measure follows months of congressional delay and legislative debate.

The House approved the legislation earlier in the week; it targets Russia's core energy and defense sectors, President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, and Moscow's shadow fleet of oil tankers used to evade Western restrictions.

Additionally, it authorizes up to 100 percent tariffs on major buyers of Russian gas and oil, potentially impacting China and India.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the bill as a powerful tool that could halt the conflict and push Moscow toward peace. In response to ongoing Western pressure, India stated it will continue purchasing oil through diversified sourcing.

The signing takes place just a week before President Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Washington. The broader package also extends existing economic restrictions involving Iran's energy and weapons programs.