22 US congressmen urge Trump to immediately impose full-scale sanctions on Russia

Appeal to the President: Call for Full Activation of the Sanctions Package

Twenty-two members of the US Congress, representing both the Democratic and Republican parties, sent an official appeal to President Donald Trump. In the document, dated 15 October and published on the website of Congressman Michael McCaul, lawmakers urge the immediate and full-scale application of sanctions against Russia provided for by the Lindsey Graham Act on Sanctions Against Russia and Iran 2026.

Strategic Goal: Reducing Kremlin Revenue and Pressuring Putin

The initiators of the letter emphasise that these measures are intended to reduce the Kremlin's energy revenues and increase pressure on Vladimir Putin. According to the congressmen, the timely implementation of the first package of mandatory sanctions will help curb the escalation of Russian attacks on Ukraine's civilian population.

“We urge the administration to apply the sanctions provided for by the Graham Act in full and without delay,” the authors of the appeal stressed. (We urge the administration to apply the sanctions provided for by the Graham Act in full and without delay.)

Expanding the Sanctions Perimeter: Oligarchs, Banks, and the Shadow Fleet

The document notes the need to extend restrictive measures to Russian officials, oligarchs, banking institutions, and state enterprises that finance the war or direct funds towards it. Congressmen insist on the introduction of measures against foreign banks, shadow fleet operators, and intermediaries that help Russia circumvent existing sanctions.

In a separate point, congressmen expressed concern regarding the US agreement concerning Russian diesel fuel. They urge the administration to revoke the relevant licence and refrain from issuing new general authorisations that restore trade in Russian energy carriers and provide the Kremlin with additional funds to continue the war.

Secondary Tariffs and Third-Country Liability

In the view of the lawmakers, the consistent application of secondary tariffs provided for by the law will not only reduce Russia's energy revenues but also serve as a warning to other states about liability for financing Russia's war machine. The letter states that China and India remain the largest buyers of Russian oil today.

In addition, congressmen urge the Trump administration to limit the use of the right to sanctions exemptions and establish clear timeframes for such exceptions.

Deadlines and Transparency Requirements

The authors of the appeal asked the US President to provide answers regarding the full implementation of the law by 18 October. They also demand a list of individuals and companies that will be subject to sanctions, as well as a list of countries against which secondary tariffs will be imposed.

Additionally, congressmen demand an explanation of the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of sanctions measures and a justification for the establishment of tariffs. Lawmakers emphasise that increased sanctions pressure must force Vladimir Putin to take peace negotiations more seriously.