US Must Lead on Tariffs to Bring Putin to Peace Table, Senator Graham Declares

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick are championing legislation to authorize President Donald Trump to impose steep tariffs on nations fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. Announced on Saturday, September 13, 2025, the proposed bill targets countries like China, India, and Brazil, which Graham accuses of "propping up Putin’s war machine" by purchasing discounted Russian oil and gas.

The lawmakers’ joint statement, shared on social media, expressed strong support for Trump’s call for coordinated economic action with NATO allies, emphasizing that "the free world must act, and America must lead."

Graham and Fitzpatrick have been working for months on this legislation, which would empower Trump to levy significant tariffs on nations sustaining Russia’s economy through energy purchases. They argue that combining these tariffs with increased U.S. weapons support for Ukraine is key to forcing Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate a "just and honorable peace."

The duo plans to push for the bill’s inclusion in the upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR), framing it as a critical test of resolve for Congress and U.S. allies. "This is more than a matter of policy," Graham stressed, warning that time is running out to curb Russia’s aggression.

The push follows Trump’s recent appeal to NATO, where he urged member states to halt Russian oil imports and join the U.S. in imposing major sanctions. In a letter, Trump declared, "I am ready to do major sanctions on Russia when all NATO nations have agreed, and started, to do the same thing, and when all NATO nations STOP BUYING OIL FROM RUSSIA."

He accused some NATO members of undermining the alliance’s stance by continuing energy trade with Moscow. Trump also proposed tariffs of 50-100% on Chinese goods, arguing that China’s economic influence over Russia could be disrupted through such measures, a strategy Graham and Fitzpatrick wholeheartedly endorse.

Also Read: Trump Acknowledges Diplomatic Fallout From Tariffs on India

Trump’s frustration with Putin has intensified, with the President telling Fox News that his patience is "running out fast." He hinted at a "second phase" of sanctions if the war persists, signaling a tougher stance. This follows his earlier decision to impose 50% tariffs on Indian goods due to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, though similar measures against China are still pending. The proposed tariffs aim to choke off Russia’s financial lifelines, particularly its oil revenue, which Graham claims is critical to sustaining Putin’s military campaign.

The legislation has sparked debate, with critics warning of potential economic fallout for U.S. allies like India and Brazil, and even China, a major global trade player. Supporters, however, argue that such measures are necessary to shift the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year. As Graham and Fitzpatrick rally bipartisan support, the world watches to see if Trump’s tariff strategy will bring Putin to the negotiating table or escalate tensions further.

Also Read: Trump’s Tariffs Devastate India: 1.35 Lakh Jobs Lost, Says Shashi Tharoor