**Title: Kremlin Criticizes New US Sanctions Law, Citing Threats to Ukraine Peace Efforts**
The Kremlin has expressed strong disapproval of a new sanctions law signed by President Donald Trump, claiming it undermines diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed into law on Friday and introduces stricter sanctions against Russia, including tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov voiced concerns about the potential impact of the sanctions on peace negotiations, stating, “Clearly, this cannot have a positive effect,” in response to questions about the law's implications for a peaceful settlement in Ukraine and the possibility of improved Russian-US relations. Peskov had previously labeled the sanctions as an “unfriendly action” that would complicate efforts to achieve a resolution in Ukraine.
The sanctions law, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a staunch advocate for Ukraine, had been stalled for several months as Trump sought to engage in diplomatic discussions with Russia. The original proposal included a more severe tariff of 500% on countries purchasing Russian energy, but this was reduced to a maximum of 100% after negotiations with the White House. The Senate passed the measure with a significant majority of 86-11, followed by a 262-159 vote in the House of Representatives.
The legislation is expected to primarily target countries like China and India, which are major buyers of Russian energy. It grants President Trump considerable discretion in applying the tariffs and allows him the option to waive or suspend them in the interest of national security.
In addition to the Kremlin's criticism, the Russian Embassy in the United States argued that the sanctions would undermine Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda. They warned that limiting Russian energy trade, especially amid reduced supplies from the Middle East, could lead to soaring fuel prices ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The embassy cautioned that escalating tensions with Russia and China would ultimately be detrimental, benefiting only “Euro-Atlantic warmongers.”
The new sanctions law has also drawn criticism from China. Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, condemned the legislation, asserting that China engages in economic and trade cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit, and that its trade practices are not aimed at any third country.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the implications of the new sanctions law remain a point of contention, with both Russia and China expressing their discontent and concern over the potential for increased tensions and economic repercussions.