Washington DC - Following congressional approval, President Donald Trump on Friday signed a bill authorizing new sanctions designed to put pressure on Russia over its war with Ukraine.

Washington is pushing to revive a mediated path towards ending the conflict as Moscow intensifies its attacks against Ukraine, even though much of its attention – and munitions – are focused on the ongoing war against Iran.

The legislation, which US lawmakers approved this week, takes aim at Russia's energy and defense sectors, alongside President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.

It also targets Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of tankers used to evade Western sanctions, and allows Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.

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That could potentially cover China and India, and furthers efforts to cut off revenue financing Moscow's war.

The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the package by a 262–159 vote on Wednesday. The bill will also target companies and foreign actors supporting Russia's military, and extend sanctions involving Iran.

The broad powers to impose tariffs sparked an unusual split among Democrats, who largely support Ukraine but have resisted handing Trump wider authority over trade.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Trump's signing of the sanctions bill in a statement on X, evoking late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had been a strong supporter of the embattled nation.

"Senator Graham never doubted for a second that America has enough strength to stand up to dictators and achieve results if it acts THE RIGHT WAY," Zelensky wrote.

"The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly," he said. "Peace comes through strength. Calm comes through security."

"Peace comes through strength. Calm comes through security. And the best guarantee of security is resolve."