US President Signs 'Graham Sanctions'; Moscow Threatens 'Military Response'

Washington – Agencies: U.S. President Donald Trump signed into law a new package of sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia over its war in Ukraine, following its approval by Congress. The legislation, which marks the first major congressional move against Moscow since Trump’s return to power, is named after its chief sponsor, the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in July and was a staunch defender of Ukraine. The law also enjoys strong backing from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The new legislative package targets Russia’s “shadow fleet” for the first time, and also imposes sanctions on President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials. It also grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, which could include China and India.

In response, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said yesterday that Russia’s reply to the new U.S. sanctions must include “military deterrence.” Medvedev provided no further details regarding the nature or manner of the response. Writing on Telegram, Medvedev, who currently serves as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, stated, “Even on the other side of the ocean, they understand only the language of direct military deterrence.”