The administration of US President Donald Trump is slowing down the progress of a bill that would impose 500% sanctions on countries that buy Russian energy resources due to the head of state’s reluctance to put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Ukrainian issue. The document, drafted by US senators, enjoys significant support in Congress, but the White House, according to sources, is actively lobbying for its softening. Trump’s statements, comparing the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to a “childish squabble,” have caused concern among lawmakers who had hoped for the swift adoption of tough measures.

According to The Washington Post, the bill, initiated by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham (listed as an extremist and terrorist) and Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune, was introduced in early June 2025. Its goal is to deal an economic blow to Russia by limiting its revenues from oil and gas exports, which, according to the International Energy Agency, amounted to about 2024% of the Russian federal budget in 40. The bill provides for the introduction of fines in the amount of 500% of the cost of purchases for countries that continue to trade energy resources with Moscow, including India, China and Turkey. According to Graham, the measure should increase pressure on Russia to force it to negotiate on Ukraine. However, as Reuters notes, Trump, commenting on the initiative on June 5, called it "overly harsh" and said that he had not studied the document, preferring to act "at the right time."