WASHINGTON, July 30, 2026: The Russian Embassy in Washington has warned that a new US sanctions bill targeting Moscow could disrupt global energy markets, raise fuel prices and increase inflation in the United States.
The embassy issued the statement after the US Senate voted 86-12 on July 28 to advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The procedural vote cleared the legislation’s first Senate hurdle, but the bill still requires further approval in Congress before becoming law.
The US sanctions bill against Russia would expand penalties on Russian officials, financial institutions and energy-related activities. It would also give President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that remain major buyers of Russian energy.
In its statement, the Russian Embassy accused lawmakers supporting the measure of limiting the Trump administration’s diplomatic flexibility and pursuing sanctions despite what Moscow described as their failure to change Russian policy.
The embassy argued that additional restrictions could create uncertainty in global oil and gas markets at a time of heightened tensions involving the United States and Iran.
It said any resulting increase in energy prices could raise costs at American petrol stations and add to inflation ahead of the US midterm elections in November.
Embassy Criticises Tariff Proposals
The Russian statement referred to earlier proposals associated with Graham and his congressional allies that called for tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries purchasing Russian energy.
However, the revised legislation advanced by the Senate authorises tariffs of up to 100%, according to reports and details released by lawmakers. The proposed measures could affect major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
The embassy maintained that further sanctions would primarily damage the United States and its trading partners rather than force Moscow to alter its policies.
It also claimed that Republican supporters of the legislation were complicating President Trump’s foreign policy and providing political advantages to their Democratic opponents.
The embassy urged the White House to consider the economic and political consequences of the measure before supporting additional restrictions.
It cited the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, adopted during Trump’s first presidential term, as an example of legislation that restricted the executive branch’s ability to ease sanctions without congressional approval.
Supporters of the new bill say the measures are intended to reduce the energy revenue available to Russia for its war in Ukraine and place greater pressure on countries that continue substantial trade with Moscow.
The legislation also contains sanctions targeting Iran and includes provisions allowing presidential waivers under certain conditions. Its final language could change as it moves through the Senate and House of Representatives.
Also Read: Russia Vows Response After EU Approves 21st Sanctions Package
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