Trump Signs Massive Sanctions Bill Targeting Russia’s War Funding

Washington — In what officials called a "decisive step" toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump signed into law a sweeping sanctions bill on Sunday night. The legislation, formally known as the Russia Funding Prevention Act, bundles together dozens of measures designed to freeze assets, block technology transfers and tighten export controls on the Russian state and its oligarch allies.

At the signing ceremony, held in the White House press briefing room, Trump leaned into the moment, noting that "the American people won’t stand by while Putin’s machine drinks from our banks." He paused a beat, glanced at the stack of papers on the desk, and then turned to the cameras, a slight grin breaking through his usual stoic tone.

The core of the bill is a near‑total ban on the export of high‑end semiconductors, aerospace components and other dual‑use goods that could be repurposed for military use. In addition, the law authorizes the Treasury Department to seize any Russian sovereign‑owned assets it finds on U.S. soil – a move that could net billions of dollars, according to Treasury officials.

Beyond the immediate financial hit, the legislation also ramps up penalties for companies that attempt to skirt the rules. "If you think you can slip a chip under the table, think again," a senior administration official said, adding that violators could face fines up to 20 percent of their global revenue.

Congressional leaders from both parties praised the bill, though they differed on the details. Senate Majority Leader Karen Reynolds (D‑CA) praised the "strong moral stance" while House Speaker Michael DeVries (R‑TX) highlighted the "economic weapon" aspect. Some critics, however, warned that the sanctions could backfire, potentially pushing Russia closer to China and disrupting global supply chains.

In Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a statement thanking the United States, calling the move "a lifeline for our people" and urging allied nations to adopt similar measures. "Every dollar you take from Moscow is a dollar we can use to rebuild our homes," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Russian officials dismissed the bill as "harsh but futile," promising to find alternative financing routes. In a televised interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested that "the Russian economy will adapt, as it always has, and the war will continue until its goals are achieved."

The sanctions package now heads to the Department of Commerce for implementation details, a process expected to take weeks. Analysts say the true impact will depend on how quickly and thoroughly the rules are enforced, and whether European partners will match the U.S. stance.

For now, the bill stands as a bold, if contentious, attempt to choke the financial lifelines that keep Putin’s war machine humming.