US House passes Russia sanctions bill: Why Kremlin says it will ‘complicate’ Ukraine’s peace efforts | Today’s news
After the United States approved new sanctions legislation for buying Russian oil, the Kremlin warned on Thursday that the legislation could “complicate” negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
“We are, of course, monitoring the progress of this document. It falls into the category of hostile actions, and of course the imposition of any additional sanctions by the US would certainly complicate efforts to find a peaceful settlement in Ukraine,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
The US House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a sweeping sanctions package aimed at increasing economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for his signature.
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The Russia Sanctions Act of 2026 allows the US president to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries that are among the largest importers of Russian oil and gas if they continue to buy those products after enactment.
The Kremlin sees the new US sanctions as “hostile actions” that would increase economic pressure on Russia and make peace talks with Ukraine more difficult amid stalled diplomatic efforts.
US tariffs on Russian oil could significantly increase India’s oil import costs, put inflationary pressure on the economy and affect its trade balance as India has increased its dependence on Russian oil.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said it remains committed to energy security and will take necessary measures to protect its economic interests amid the threat of US tariffs.
Yes, India’s oil import strategy may have to adjust as new US sanctions could prompt the country to further diversify its energy sources to mitigate economic risks related to its significant dependence on Russian oil.
The bill was approved 262-159 after prior approval by the Senate.
US-brokered efforts to end Ukraine’s four-and-a-half-year-old war have been on hold for months, but President Donald Trump earlier this month sent two envoys to Moscow and Kiev in an attempt to get the process moving again.
It also authorizes Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on China, India and other countries to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. Tariffs are not automatic and will depend on presidential action.
What did India say?
Following the passage of the Russia Sanctions Bill in the US House, India’s Ministry of External Affairs said Delhi remains committed to ensuring the country’s energy security.
“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the MEA said in a statement.
Read also | US House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill – What Does It Mean for India’s Tariffs?
The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran Sanctions Act of 2026, which gives the US president the power to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas.
Why might India be affected?
India is among the world’s biggest buyers of Russian oil, meaning it could face tariffs allowed under the legislation.
According to the Center for Energy and Clean Air Research (CREA), China accounted for about half of Russia’s oil exports at the end of August, followed by India with 37%, Turkey with 5% and the European Union with 5%.
India’s dependence on Russian oil has increased significantly since the beginning of the Ukraine war, as discounted Russian oil has become an important source of supply for Indian refineries.
India bought $40.8 billion worth of Russian oil in fiscal 2026, accounting for 30.3% of its total oil imports of $134.7 billion, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.
Why does Russia say it could complicate peace talks in Ukraine?
The Kremlin’s warning comes as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine remain at a standstill.
Moscow called the proposed sanctions “hostile actions” and said further US economic pressure would make negotiations more difficult.
The US legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting its energy revenues and other sources of war financing. They are also trying to pressure countries that continue to buy Russian energy.
With input from agencies.
