Graham proposes carveout in Russia sanctions bill for countries that back Ukraine
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is proposing a carveout for his Russia sanctions bill to exempt countries that help Ukraine's defense, protecting them from a 500 percent tariff on countries trading with Russia.
The carveout could help insulate countries in Europe that still import Russian gas and have provided military support for Ukraine, as well as other U.S. partners that have straddled the line between maintaining ties with Moscow and providing assistance to Kyiv.
'A lot of countries still buy Russian oil and gas but less. Some European countries still have relationships with Russia, but they've been very helpful to Ukraine. So I want to carve them out,' Graham told reporters Wednesday.
'I tell China, if you don't want to have a 500 percent tariff, help Ukraine.'
Semafor first reported Graham's proposed carveout.
Graham's sanctions bill on Russia would impose a 500 percent tariff on imports from any country that buys Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products. The legislation has more than 80 co-sponsors in the Senate, potentially making it veto-proof.
Graham said he is in constant contact with President Trump about the bill. Republican lawmakers have signaled they are anxious to move but are waiting for a green light from Trump before bringing the bill to the floor.
'We are separate entities coordinating with each other,' Graham said about whether Trump is dictating when the bill will come to the floor.
Graham said the carveout would apply to countries that have 'meaningfully' assisted Ukraine.
'There's some of our allies who've really helped Ukraine but would be affected by the bill, they've earned their way to get a carveout. Those who have helped Ukraine, meaningfully, will get a carveout. In other words you'll incentivize people to help Ukraine.'
The move could have big implications for India, a close ally of the U.S. that has maintained deep ties with Russia. India is a top purchaser of Russian oil, but has provided Ukraine humanitarian support. While India has not provided direct military support to Ukraine, it has allowed European countries to purchase Indian munitions bound for Kyiv.
Al Weaver contributed reporting.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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