Media outlets say the U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Republican lawmakers are preparing new legislation to impose sanctions on countries that continue to conduct business with Russia. The move is reportedly seen as part of a broader effort to exert international pressure on Moscow amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Newsweek reports that speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump endorsed the legislative initiative, stating, “They’re passing legislation—very tough—sanctioning any country doing business with Russia. They may even add Iran to that list. I suggested it. So any country that does business with Russia will be very severely sanctioned.”
Trump, who has portrayed himself as a potential peacemaker in the Ukraine conflict, has repeatedly expressed frustration over failed attempts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. Despite his stated intentions, Putin has intensified military operations in Ukraine, prompting renewed calls from Kyiv and European allies for tougher U.S. action.
Newsweek notes that the proposed sanctions, if enacted, could have far-reaching consequences, potentially targeting U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, and Brazil, which still purchase limited amounts of Russian energy. According to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia’s primary energy clients reportedly include China—leading in coal and crude oil imports—and Turkiye, a top buyer of oil products. The European Union remains the largest importer of Russian liquefied natural gas and pipeline gas.
In addition to energy trade, numerous countries continue to engage with Russia in other sectors. Nations such as Iran, India, China, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Algeria, Egypt, and Myanmar purchase Russian weapons, while others sell agricultural products to Russia. Both Iran and North Korea have supplied military equipment to Moscow, Newsweek reports.
Trump had previously held off on imposing new sanctions but reversed course on October 22, targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, after admitting that diplomatic efforts with Putin had stalled.
The new sanctions package, still under development, marks a potential turning point in Washington’s approach, signaling a willingness to penalize not only Russia but also its economic partners.
