Trump signs sweeping Russia sanctions bill

Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Bernd Debusmann Jr White House reporter Published 1 hour ago US President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping sanctions bill, taking aim at Russia's economy by punishing major purchasers of its oil and gas.

The bill, passed by the US House of Representatives earlier this week, gives Trump broad powers to levy tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas – most significantly China and India.

At Trump's behest, the bill also extends to Iran's energy and weapons sectors.

The bill is named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, one of Ukraine's staunchest defenders in Washington before his death on 11 July.