Washington Chooses Path of Maximum Pressure on Russia's Trading Partners. Who Will Give In?

Washington is increasing pressure on China and India over their trade in Russian energy resources while seeking to block the future development of Russia's Arctic energy sector. US Senate Approves Pressure on Russia Through Third Countries The US Senate has approved a bill introducing what lawmakers describe as "crippling sanctions" against Russia by targeting countries that continue doing business with Moscow. The proposal passed by a vote of 86 to 12 and has been titled the Lindsey Graham* Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026. Co-author of the bill, Senator Richard Blumenthal, said the sanctions are intended to "punish China and India for financing Russia's war through purchases of Russian energy resources."