Trump signs Bill authorising sweeping Russia sanctions

It targets Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western sanctions, and allows Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

US President Donald Trump steps out of his motorcade at the Ellipse before departing the White House on Sep 18, 2026 in Washington, DC. (File photo: Getty Images via AFP/Chip Somodevilla)

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed a bill on Friday (Sep 18) authorising new sanctions designed to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine, after Congress gave its approval after months of delay.

Washington is pushing to revive a mediated path towards ending the conflict as Moscow intensifies attacks against Ukraine, even though much of its attention - and munitions - are focused on the ongoing war against Iran.