Russia criticizes US legislation targeting energy and defense sectors

The United States House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Act of 2026, a new sanctions package targeting Russia's defense and energy sectors. The legislation, which previously cleared the Senate, authorizes the President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas, specifically targeting major importers such as China and India.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described the measure as a “hostile step” and warned that it could obstruct diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The law also aims to target the Russian military, government officials, and the “ghost fleet” of tankers used to bypass existing Western restrictions.

In response, China's Foreign Ministry stated that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on mutual benefit and does not tolerate “interference or coercion from third parties.” India's Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the necessity of diversifying energy sources to ensure security for its population and indicated it would protect its commercial interests against the threat of secondary sanctions.