In a sharp escalation of economic pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on November 17, 2025, that his administration would impose “very severe sanctions” on any country maintaining commercial ties with Russia. The move comes as Congress prepares sweeping new legislation aimed at intensifying penalties on Moscow and, potentially, nations like India and Iran that continue dealing with Russian energy producers.
Speaking to reporters at the Palm Beach International Airport in Florida before departing on Air Force One, Trump declared, “Any country that does business with Russia will be subject to very tough sanctions.” The president has thrown his weight behind a Republican-led bill in Congress—pushed by hawkish Senator Lindsey Graham and co-sponsored by Democrat Richard Blumenthal—that would grant him authority to impose tariffs up to a staggering 500% on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other key exports. The legislation targets both primary buyers and the so-called “secondary” trade—nations that buy and resell Russian oil.
Tariffs, Sanctions, and Bipartisan Support
The initiative has strong momentum in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with 85 bipartisan co-sponsors and vocal support from Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Last month, the Trump administration already implemented new 50% tariffs on India—one of the world’s highest rates—on goods including a 25% penalty specifically for Indian purchases of Russian energy, arguing such trade helps prolong the war in Ukraine. The latest bill would dramatically expand these restrictions, empowering Trump to pursue even harsher economic measures.
Further, the White House last month blacklisted major Russian oil producers such as Lukoil and Rosneft, citing Russia’s refusal to commit to a lasting peace deal in Ukraine. Beyond Russia, 32 individuals and entities—including figures from India—were also sanctioned over Iran’s missile program, signaling that Washington’s sanctions policy could soon sweep across other regions and conflicts.
Moscow and Global Fallout
Moscow has condemned Washington’s measures, calling them “counterproductive and illegal,” and claimed its economy has weathered Western sanctions by pivoting to non-Western partners. Still, Trump is adamant: “They are passing legislation—very tough sanctions on any country doing business with Russia,” he said. “That’s okay with me.” The broad, high-impact scope of secondary sanctions is unprecedented and could snarl global supply chains, deepen rifts with allies like India, and test the resilience of global energy markets.
Meanwhile, the prospect of deploying coalition troops to Ukraine remains uncertain, dependent on a ceasefire not currently in sight. With continued military advances reported by Russia and a corruption scandal weakening Kyiv, Trump’s aggressive new approach signals that economic might, rather than diplomacy, is now Washington’s primary lever to force Moscow to the negotiating table—or, at the very least, to inflict financial pain.
