A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a revised Russia sanctions bill that significantly lowers proposed tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India.
The new legislation marks a notable departure from earlier drafts that threatened 100% tariffs on imports from nations continuing to purchase Russian crude, reflecting a growing consensus that extreme punitive measures could destabilize global energy markets rather than constrain Moscow's revenue.
The revised bill retains sanctions on specific Russian officials and entities but replaces the blanket import bans with more targeted tariffs.
This adjustment aims to maintain pressure on the Kremlin while acknowledging the structural dependence of Asian economies on Russian energy supplies.
By avoiding the most severe trade barriers, the lawmakers seek to prevent a sudden spike in global oil prices that could fuel inflation and disrupt supply chains in key consumer markets.
The shift comes as European Union officials are reportedly considering a temporary freeze on the Russian oil price cap as part of the bloc's 21st sanctions package.