US senators press Trump to enforce Russia sanctions as October deadline approaches
Bipartisan Senate leaders are urging the Trump administration to move faster on sanctions against Russia, nearly a month after President Donald Trump signed a sweeping sanctions law, the Associated Press reported on Oct. 7.
In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, senators identified Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers as an urgent target, arguing that Moscow continues to use the vessels to transport oil and evade US sanctions.
They also called for action against Russia's developing satellite system, which Ukraine has warned could enable more precise, real-time attacks during the winter.
"Every day that passes without maximum economic pressure allows Moscow to sustain this military escalation," the senators wrote, according to AP.
Most provisions of the sanctions law are scheduled to take effect on Oct. 18, following a 30-day administration review period.
Trump signed the legislation, named after the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, on Sept. 19. The law authorizes tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian energy or helping Moscow circumvent sanctions, potentially affecting major buyers such as China, India and Turkey.
It also provides for sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, officials and banks.
AP reported that the administration has taken few public steps toward implementing the legislation since Trump signed it.