After the United States passed a fresh bill to sanction the purchase of Russian crude, the Kremlin warned on Thursday that the legislation could ‘complicate’ the negotiations to end the Ukraine war.
“We are, of course, monitoring the progress of this document. It falls under the category of unfriendly actions, and of course, the imposition of any additional sanctions by the US would certainly complicate efforts to find a peace settlement in ,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
On Wednesday, the passed a sweeping sanctions package intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine, sending the bill to President Donald for his signature.
The bill was passed 262-159 after previously clearing the Senate.
US-mediated efforts to end the four-and-a-half-year Ukraine war have been stalled for months, but President Donald sent two envoys to Moscow and Kyiv earlier this month in an effort to get the process moving again.
It also authorises Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on China, India and other countries to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas. The tariffs are not automatic and would depend on presidential action.
Following the US House’s passage of the Russia Sanctions Bill, India’s said that New Delhi remains committed to ensuring the country’s energy security.
“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the MEA said in a statement.
The House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which grants the US president powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.
India is among the world’s major buyers of Russian crude, meaning it could potentially face the tariffs authorised under the legislation.
According to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), China accounted for about half of Russia’s crude exports as of the end of August, followed by India with 37%, Turkey with 5% and the European Union with 5%.
India’s dependence on Russian crude has increased significantly since the Ukraine war began, as discounted Russian oil became an important source of supply for Indian refiners.
India bought $40.8 billion worth of in FY2026, accounting for 30.3% of its total crude imports of $134.7 billion, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative.
The Kremlin’s warning comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the war in remain stalled.
Moscow has described the proposed sanctions as “unfriendly actions” and said additional US economic pressure would make negotiations more difficult.
The US legislation is designed to increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting its energy revenues and other sources of financing for the war. It also seeks to pressure countries that continue to purchase Russian energy.
With inputs from agencies.
