U.S. Threatens 500% Tariff on Russian Oil Buyers

A senior U.S. senator has proposed an extreme economic measure to pressure Russia: a 500% tariff on oil purchased from the country by any nation. Senator Lindsey Graham announced the plan, stating the goal is to drastically reduce the revenue funding Russia's war in Ukraine. He argued that severe financial penalties on buyers would cripple Moscow's war effort. "This stuff works," Graham said, pointing to India as proof. He noted that India has already significantly reduced its purchases of Russian oil after facing previous international pressure. The proposed tariff is not yet law. It would require approval from the U.S. Congress. If passed, it would force any country importing Russian oil to choose between paying a massive premium or finding another supplier. The move aims to further isolate the Russian economy by making its main export too expensive for the global market.