U.S. Lawmakers Propose 500% Tariff on Russian Energy

U.S. senators are proposing a massive new sanction against Russia: a 500% tariff on its energy products. The measure aims to cripple Russian oil and gas revenue, which funds its war in Ukraine. The proposal's lead supporter, Senator Lindsey Graham, stated a Senate vote could happen as early as next week. The extreme tariff is designed to make purchasing Russian energy prohibitively expensive for any country. If passed, the policy would target all importers of Russian oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and coal into the United States. Currently, direct U.S. imports of these fuels from Russia are already minimal due to existing bans. The primary goal is to set a global precedent. Lawmakers hope other nations will adopt similar tariffs, collectively cutting a major financial lifeline for the Russian government.