A sanctions bill advancing through the US Senate is drawing growing attention in Europe, where officials and policy experts warn that legislation aimed at increasing pressure on Russia could also hand President Donald Trump sweeping new authority to impose tariffs on both allies and rivals.

The proposed legislation was originally introduced by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal as part of an effort to tighten economic pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Following Graham’s death last month, supporters have renewed efforts to move the bill forward in what they describe as a tribute to his work. The measure, however, still faces an uncertain path in the House of Representatives after lawmakers began their summer recess.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended Graham’s funeral in Washington and urged US lawmakers to approve the legislation, calling it an important signal of continued support for Ukraine and Europe.

The bill proposes a broad package of sanctions targeting Russia, including restrictions on financial transactions involving Russian banks, penalties against government officials and oligarchs, and measures aimed at vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

Its most closely watched provision would allow the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries identified as major buyers of Russian oil and gas or those considered to be helping circumvent sanctions on Russian energy exports. The White House would have sole authority to determine which countries fall within those categories.

Supporters of the measure have said the provision is primarily intended to discourage continued purchases of Russian energy by countries such as China and India, which remain among Moscow’s largest customers.

Policy analysts, however, argue that the language of the bill is broad enough to create uncertainty for US allies, including members of the European Union. They note that Europe continues to import Russian liquefied natural gas, although the bloc has committed to ending those purchases through a permanent ban scheduled for January 2027.

The legislation includes an exemption for countries that have taken “significant steps” to reduce Russian energy imports. Critics point out that determining whether those conditions have been met would rest entirely with the US president.

Experts also warn that references to countries “facilitating” sanctions evasion are not clearly defined, creating uncertainty over how the law could be applied. Nations including Greece, Cyprus and Malta remain involved in the lawful transport of Russian oil under the international price cap, while Hungary and Slovakia continue receiving Russian crude through existing pipeline exemptions.

A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment directly on the draft legislation but said the EU continues to coordinate sanctions policy with the United States and G7 partners while steadily reducing dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

Legal specialists say the bill contains safeguards limiting its scope compared with previous emergency trade authorities, but uncertainty remains over how future administrations could interpret and enforce its provisions. They argue that much will depend on presidential discretion, leaving allies watching developments in Washington closely as the legislation moves through Congress.