Vlasyuk explained who might be affected by the U.S.'s draconian sanctions
Once the U.S. president signs the “hellish sanctions” bill into law, the key issue will be its practical implementation. Specifically, the bill allows for the imposition of tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that purchase significant volumes of Russian energy resources or facilitate the circumvention of sanctions.
This refers to the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which the U.S. House of Representatives approved on September 16 following a vote in the Senate. As of September 18, the bill was awaiting the U.S. President’s signature.
“Once the U.S. President signs the ‘hellish sanctions’ bill into law, the key step will be its practical implementation. The bill covers a wide range of sanction areas, primarily the energy sector. The bill provides for the imposition of tariffs of up to 100% on all imports from countries that remain among the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas or that facilitate the circumvention of energy sanctions,” Vlasyuk noted.
According to Vladislav Vlasyuk, from January through August 2026, China imported 585 million barrels of crude oil from Russia, India imported 453 million barrels, and Turkey imported 44 million barrels.
These countries, he said, are potential targets for the tariffs. Once the statistics are updated, Hungary and Slovakia may also be added to the list.
At the same time, the law provides for certain exceptions, and the U.S. president has the authority to waive the tariffs subject to congressional approval.
According to the text of the legislation, the list of countries subject to such tariffs must be updated based on data regarding the largest importers of Russian oil and natural gas.
Separately, Vladislav Vlasyuk drew attention to shipments of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to European Union countries.
According to his data, from January through August 2026, France imported 4.3 million metric tons of Russian LNG, Belgium imported 3.06 million metric tons, and Spain imported 2.77 million metric tons.
At the same time, the EU has already adopted a phased ban on Russian gas imports. For LNG under long-term contracts, the main cutoff date for imports is set for January 1, 2027, and for pipeline gas under long-term contracts, it is September 30, 2027.
According to Vlasyuk, the risk of U.S. tariffs being applied to European buyers will also depend on countries’ compliance with their commitments to reduce imports and on their use of legally permitted exemptions.
Vladislav Vlasyuk identified another area of sanctions policy as the supply of petroleum products from third countries to Russia.
According to his data, during the first eight months of 2026, the following quantities were shipped to or were en route to Russia by sea:
- 673,000 barrels of gasoline from India;
- 325,000 barrels of gasoline from Morocco;
- 309,000 barrels of gasoline from Turkey;
- 186,000 barrels of diesel fuel from Egypt.
“During the first eight months of 2026, the following quantities arrived in or were en route to Russia by sea: 673,000 barrels of gasoline from India, 325,000 from Morocco, 309,000 from Turkey, and 186,000 barrels of diesel from Egypt. “Therefore, tightening control over the companies, carriers, insurers, and financial intermediaries facilitating such shipments is essential for the effectiveness of the sanctions policy,” Vlasyuk added.
In his view, monitoring these supply chains is important to prevent Russia from making up for its fuel shortfall following strikes on its oil refining infrastructure.
Vladyslav Vlasyuk also highlighted the Russian military-industrial complex as one of the key areas for the future application of the sanctions mechanism.
“The second, no less important area is the Russian military-industrial complex. For Ukraine, the passage of the law means the potential use of an important tool to push for the imposition of sanctions against companies and intermediaries that help Russia obtain components and technologies for weapons production,” the commissioner stated.
According to him, the main goal of the energy component of the bill is to reduce Russian revenues from the sale of energy resources. At the same time, the practical effect will depend on how actively the U.S. exercises the powers provided for in the bill.
“The practical impact on Russian revenues and its ability to circumvent sanctions— and consequently—on Russia’s ability to finance the war against Ukraine and develop its own technological solutions for waging it,” Vlasyuk emphasized.
Thus, once signed, the law could provide the U.S. with an additional tool to exert pressure not only directly on Russia but also on countries and companies that continue to purchase Russian energy resources or help Moscow circumvent sanctions.
This was stated by Vladislav Vlasyuk, the Ukrainian President’s Representative on Sanctions Policy.
Yesterday, September 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on “hellish sanctions” against Russia and Iran: 262 votes in favor, 159 against. The bill, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, has already been sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Hungary is seeking an exemption from potential U.S. tariffs targeting the largest buyers of Russian oil and gas. At the same time, Budapest has promised to prepare a plan in the near future to overcome its energy dependence on Russia.
