Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyy has backed the United States' new Russia sanctions law, saying the prospect of tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy would help bring "peace" and "guaranteed security".
In a post on X, the Ukranian President said that he thanked US Senators for supporting the bill sanctioning Russia's trade partners.
"I began my visit to New York by a meeting with U.S. senators. I thanked them for their strong bipartisan support for Ukraine and for passing The Lindsey Graham’s sanctions bill. This is absolutely the right step, and once it is fully implemented, peace and guaranteed security will certainly be closer," he said.
He added that Ukraine will work closely with US on the sanctions.
The sweeping law, signed by President Donald Trump last week, allows Washington to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, putting India and China at direct risk of such penalties.
Zelenskyyy began his US visit by meeting American senators who backed the sanctions legislation originally championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly supported the measure, which seeks to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 was signed into law by US President Donald Trump on September 18. The legislation expands sanctions targeting Russia's energy and defence sectors and provides the administration with authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries that continue significant purchases of Russian energy.
India is among the countries that could be affected because it remains one of the world's biggest buyers of Russian crude. China is the largest buyer, while India is among the other major purchasers covered by the legislation.
However, the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on Indian goods. It creates a legal mechanism for the Trump administration to impose tariffs of up to that level under specified conditions. The US Trade Representative is expected to identify countries and recommend tariff levels, while the legislation also contains provisions for exemptions and waivers.
India weighs impact of US Russia sanctions law
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal earlier said India is examining the details of the new US law and its possible implications. “The details are now emerging. We will study them and discuss the matter at an appropriate time,” Goyal said.
Last Thursday, the ministry of external affairs warned that the bill carries potential implications for ties between New Delhi and Washington as well as for global energy market. It added that India will take all necessary steps to protect its economic interests and ensure energy security for the nation.
The new law comes after months of debate in Washington over how to increase pressure on Moscow. The Senate passed the legislation 86-11 in August, while the House subsequently approved it 262-159 before Trump signed it into law.
The measure also targets Russian officials, financial institutions and the country's energy trade, including vessels associated with sanctions evasion. Its broader objective is to reduce the revenue Moscow receives from energy exports, which Washington and Kyiv argue helps finance Russia's war effort.
Zelenskyy's US visit
Zelenskyy's latest visit to New York comes ahead of his expected meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Reuters reported that Zelenskyy is also pushing for an "energy truce" with Russia, amid continuing attacks on energy infrastructure and concerns over supplies ahead of winter.
His agenda in New York includes meetings with US officials, European leaders and international organisations, while Ukraine is also seeking additional air-defence support and funding.
Zelenskyy had earlier thanked US senators for advancing the Russia sanctions legislation and described the measure as a step towards peace.