WASHINGTON D.C. – In a significant escalation of economic pressure against Moscow, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind proposed legislation that would impose “very severely” Russia sanctions on any nation conducting business with Russia. Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated that Iran could also be added to the list of targeted countries, a suggestion he reportedly made to Republican lawmakers currently drafting the tough measures for Russia sanctions.
“Any country that does business with Russia will be very severely sanctioned,” Trump stated on Sunday, November 17, 2025, as lawmakers push forward with stringent new penalties aimed at crippling Russia’s economy and curtailing its ability to fund its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “They may add Iran to that. I suggested it.”
This firm stance from the former President signals a potential “American” foreign policy directive that could reshape global trade dynamics, particularly for nations heavily reliant on Russian energy or other key commodities. The core of the proposed legislative effort appears to be the “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,” a bill championed by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, which has garnered substantial backing with 85 cosponsors in the Senate. The legislation seeks to impose secondary tariffs and secondary sanctions on countries identified as continuing to fund what has been described as “Mr. Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine.”
Proposed Legislation Eyes Draconian Russia Sanctions
The “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025” is designed to give the U.S. administration broad authority to levy punitive measures, including tariffs of up to a staggering 500% on imports from countries that maintain trade ties with Russia. This aggressive approach, according to proponents, is intended as the “ultimate hammer” to compel an end to the protracted conflict and impose significant economic pressure Russia. The implementation of these Russia sanctions is a critical aspect of the proposed bill.
Senator Graham has specifically pushed for a 500% tariff on the secondary purchase and reselling of Russian oil, a proposal that has reportedly secured near-unanimous backing within the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This move underscores a broader strategy to isolate Moscow economically by targeting its revenue streams, particularly from energy exports, which have been a significant source of funding for its military operations. The impact of these proposed Russia sanctions could be substantial.
Key Nations Under Scrutiny for Russia Sanctions
Several major global players have emerged as primary targets under this proposed sanctions regime, with India and China frequently cited due to their substantial trade relationships with Russia. These nations could face significant Russia sanctions if the bill passes.
India: The Trump administration has already taken significant action against India over its continued purchases of Russian oil. In August 2025, a 50% tariff was imposed on imports from India, with a 25% levy specifically targeting its acquisition of Russian energy. This measure was presented as one of the highest globally and a direct penalty for “indirectly funding Russia’s war machine.” Despite these tariffs, India has remained one of Moscow’s most significant trading partners, leading to continued scrutiny regarding its Russia trade partners.
China: As the largest importer of Russian oil globally, China is also squarely in the sights of the proposed sanctions. While China has not yet faced direct penalties on this scale, its role in propping up Russia’s economy through energy purchases has been a consistent point of concern for U.S. policymakers contemplating Russia sanctions.
Iran: The inclusion of Iran in potential sanctions has been a point of emphasis for Trump. The nation’s ongoing alliance with Russia and its role in supplying Moscow with military equipment make it a logical, albeit potentially complex, target for expanded economic pressure through Russia sanctions.
Other countries, such as Brazil, have also been mentioned in discussions as nations that contribute to Russia’s war capabilities through their trade relationships, potentially facing future Russia sanctions.
Background to the Escalated Pressure on Russia
The renewed push for severe Russia sanctions comes amidst ongoing frustration over the protracted war in Ukraine. While former President Trump had previously indicated a willingness to engage in peace talks and had pursued diplomatic overtures with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the failure to achieve a lasting ceasefire appears to have shifted the strategic focus towards more aggressive economic warfare and the imposition of comprehensive Russia sanctions.
This legislative push also builds upon previous actions taken by the Trump administration. Earlier in 2025, the administration had imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, and their subsidiaries, in response to Moscow’s perceived lack of commitment to a peace process. However, the current legislative proposals represent a significant expansion, aiming to penalize not just Russia directly, but also the countries that facilitate its economic resilience through continued trade, thereby increasing the scope of Russia sanctions.
Potential Global Ramifications of Russia Sanctions
The implications of such sweeping Russia sanctions could be far-reaching, impacting global energy markets, international trade dynamics, and geopolitical alliances. By threatening severe penalties, the U.S. aims to isolate Russia economically and disrupt its capacity to sustain its military operations. However, such measures also carry the risk of retaliatory actions and could lead to increased economic instability for the countries targeted, as well as for the global economy, especially concerning India China Russia trade.
The “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,” if enacted, would grant the U.S. president significant leverage in shaping international economic policy concerning Russia sanctions. The move is a top-tier story reflecting a hardening “American” stance on international security and economic coercion. As this legislative process unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how nations respond to these severe Russia sanctions, and what ripple effects they will have on the global stage. This unfolding situation presents a complex and critical chapter in the ongoing international response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and the broader narrative of economic statecraft in the 21st century, with the threat of 500% tariffs looming.
This is a developing story.
