Trump Backs GOP Bill Targeting Countries Trading With Russia
SkimNews Take
Pairing Russia and Iran in a single sanctions bill effectively turns economic neutrality into a binary choice for third countries, sharply raising the cost of hedging between Washington and either capital.
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- Trump warned any country trading with Russia will face 'very severe' sanctions, responding to reporters on November 17, 2025
- Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation with 'very tough sanctions' on countries doing business with Russia, which Trump endorsed ('I hear they're doing that, and that's okay with me')
- Trump said the bill may also cover Iran, stating 'They may add Iran to that. I suggested it'
- The proposed sanctions target third-party nations trading with Russia rather than Russia itself, expanding pressure on Moscow's commercial partners
- The sanctions push comes amid a Congressional debate over whether to pressure Russia and President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine
Why it matters: Trump's endorsement elevates the GOP bill from a congressional initiative to a White House-backed priority. The mechanism — punishing third countries for trading with Russia — would impose secondary sanctions on major partners like India and China. Looping Iran into the same bill would widen its geopolitical reach beyond the Ukraine conflict.
