Overview
- President Trump said Republican lawmakers are drafting measures to sanction any country that does business with Russia and called the effort “in order.”
- He suggested Congress could also add Iran to the scope of the bill, reiterating a proposal he has floated.
- Bloomberg reporting cited by German outlets says the plan could authorize tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries buying Russian oil or gas, with major buyers such as China and India in focus.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated willingness to bring a sanctions bill to a vote without setting a timetable, as long-time proponent Lindsey Graham and some Democrats press for action.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said Russia would react “extremely negatively” if the legislation advances, while late-October U.S. sanctions on two of Russia’s largest oil firms remain in force.