What exactly does the new U.S. sanctions law against Russia entail?

The law introduces a 500 percent tax on Russian gas and oil, tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian energy, and mandatory sanctions against Russian officials, oligarchs, and companies supporting Russia's defense industry.

Who was Lindsey Graham and why is the bill named after him?

Lindsey Graham was a U.S. senator who played a key role in negotiations on this sanctions package. He passed away just before its adoption, and his colleagues called the bill his 'fitting legacy.'

Will the sanctions take effect immediately?

No. The bill has passed the Senate, but it still must be considered by the House of Representatives, which is in recess until September 2026.

Are there any exemptions from the tariffs for certain countries?

Yes, an exemption is provided for countries that import less than 15 percent of Russia's total natural gas exports and are actively working to significantly reduce their dependence on Russian energy.

World

Senate Passes Sweeping Sanctions Against Russia

B.D. · Prije 3h | 2 min

The package includes tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian energy and sanctions against Vladimir Putin, and now moves to the House of Representatives.

Summary

The U.S. Senate passed a sanctions package against Russia on August 8, 2026, with 86 votes in favor and 11 against.
The bill includes a 500 percent tax on Russian oil and gas and tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from major buyers, including China and India.
Sanctions are also mandatory for senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, and for companies supporting Russia's defense.
The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who announced the agreement in Kyiv the day before his death.

The U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive sanctions package against Russia on Friday, August 8, 2026, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The bill passed with a resounding 86-11 vote and now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives, which is in recess until September, according to CNN.

A key element of the bill is the imposition of draconian tariffs on Russian energy. It includes a 500 percent tax on gas and oil imported from Russia. Additionally, the package allows for tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian oil and natural gas, notably including China and India.

Discretionary Authority and Exemptions

The final tariff rates will be determined by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The bill also provides exemptions for countries that import less than 15 percent of Russia's total natural gas exports and are simultaneously actively working to reduce their energy dependence on Moscow.

In addition to economic measures, the bill mandates sanctions against senior Russian government officials, including President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions also target Russian oligarchs, state-owned companies, and foreign firms that support Russia's defense industry.

The Emotional Legacy of Senator Graham

The bill carries a strong symbolic weight. Senator Lindsey Graham, who played a key role in months of negotiations on this package, passed away just before its adoption. The day before his death, Graham was in Kyiv, where, standing in front of tanks on the streets of the Ukrainian capital, he announced that the U.S. administration and key senators had reached an agreement.

His Senate colleagues advocated for the bill's passage, calling it a "fitting legacy" for the late senator. The first procedural vote was held immediately after Graham's funeral in Washington.

"I've known this man for 32 years, and I'm ready to say-this is Lindsey Graham's greatest achievement," said Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Although the news has no direct Croatian angle, such a legislative move by the U.S. could have significant consequences for global energy markets, indirectly impacting energy security and prices in the European Union, including Croatia.