Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law on Tuesday, calling it a 'very severe' and 'very tough' measure. The president made the announcement during a high-stakes bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in New York, where he also predicted a ceasefire is imminent. The new statute significantly broadens import duties and trade restrictions, targeting Russia’s petroleum sector, military infrastructure, and its designated 'shadow fleet' of maritime vessels used to evade crude shipment limits.
Zelenskyy used the meeting to thank Trump for his 'personal support' and the bipartisan backing the bill received in the US Senate. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the urgency of the timeline, stating, 'We need to do this as soon as possible, before winter, better before winter.' He added that he hopes Trump will help end the conflict, acknowledging the long-range attacks continuing despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump struck a surprisingly conciliatory tone regarding the combatants, praising both sides as 'very good fighters' and 'very capable people.' 'I think they both want to see the war ended,' he said, adding that it is 'time a lot of people being killed.' He declined to specify the terms of the anticipated deal, noting that he and Putin discuss the matter frequently. The administration views the new sanctions as a lever to accelerate these negotiations.
The deal prediction comes as the war intensifies on the ground, with both Russia and Ukraine carrying out long-range strikes. The White House will now coordinate with Congress to implement the new economic penalties on Russian banking institutions and administrators. For now, the diplomatic track moves parallel to the battlefield, with both leaders watching the winter deadline approach.