WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law a sweeping sanctions package targeting Russian officials and key pillars of its economy that is meant to punish and pressure Moscow for its ongoing war against Ukraine.
The measure was a final legacy item for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close ally and friend of the president who had just returned from Ukraine when he unexpectedly died in July. In the works for more than a year, the bill passed with large bipartisan margins: 86-11 in the Senate and 262-159 in the House.
It’s meant to starve Russian President Vladimir Putin of the resources Moscow needs to continue its war in Ukraine after invading its neighbor more than four years ago. The bill, also drafted by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., sanctions Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers that keeps Russian energy moving.
It also directs Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on the top five importers of Russian oil or natural gas, with an exception for countries that import less than 15% of Russia’s natural gas exports and have taken significant steps to reduce those imports.
“If he were here today, he would be jubilant about our bill’s passage — and already thinking about the next one,” Blumenthal said of Graham after the House passed the legislation Wednesday evening. Blumenthal added, “Putin is a thug who understands only force and strength, which is what we must show clearly and unequivocally.”
Despite overwhelming support on Capitol Hill, the legislation faced criticism from a vocal set of Democratic lawmakers who warned that Trump could use his new expanded tariff powers to impose fresh levies in the European Union and elsewhere.
“Why in the world would this Congress or the People’s House give this president unfettered authority to visit more tariffs on the world that will have an adverse economic impact on the American people?” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said as he laid out his opposition to the bill. “I can’t do it.”
Graham’s journey to getting Trump’s sign-off on the bill had been full of fits and starts, as the White House had to be convinced that the president would be able to retain sufficient flexibility on sanctions. Eventually, Trump gave a nod to the bill after it included his push for a five-year extension of existing sanctions on Iran.
President Donald Trump boards Marine One on the Ellipse near the White House, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
LONDON (AP) — Brentford climbed to third in the Premier League after a crushing 3-0 win over west London rival Chelsea on Friday.
It was a puzzling display by Xabi Alonso's Chelsea side, which has now gone three league games without a win.
Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago and Fabio Carvalho all scored in the second half for Brentford.
“Disappointed with the second half, disappointed with the result," Chelsea manager Alonso said. "This is not how to compete in the Premier League. We were punished.
“At the moment we are not being consistent enough to compete during the whole game, 45 minutes is not enough, you need to compete for the whole game. It’s about everything, it’s about tactical things that we need to keep improving and do much better.”
This was a Chelsea lineup containing all the elements of its offseason transfer rethink, with a solid, experienced spine which saw Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck make their first league starts for the club.
Something appeared to have clicked. The visitors did not look half as chaotic defensively in the first half as they have done at times this season, standing up physically to Brentford, winning duels and not allowing Keith Andrews’ side to dominate second balls.
But old habits crept back in after the break. The marking from Mikkel Damsgaard’s 61st-minute corner was poor, Jannik Schuster headed on and Anthony finished it off.
Thiago was then left free to score after Kevin Schade’s shot was saved, and a low cross was whacked in during stoppage time by Carvalho to send Brentford fans into dreamland.
“It was a really good evening,” said Brentford manager Andrews. "It’s important that you enjoy evenings like this because you work so hard and there are so many tough days in this game.
"When you play against a west London rival, you build up to a game and you go on a bit of a journey with the team. There are always bumps along the way, but we were in a really good place and it’s nice to see it come into fruition tonight.”
Brentford has nine points from five games and is three points behind co-leaders Arsenal and Manchester City, who play on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Chelsea is down to seventh with seven points from five games.
See AP’s full soccer coverage here
Chelsea's goalkeeper Robert Sanchez walks off the pitch after the Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Chelsea in London, England, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Brentford players celebrate after the thrid goal during the Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Chelsea in London, England, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Brentford's head coach Keith Andrews wlaks off the pitch after the Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Chelsea in London, England, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Brentford players celebrate after the Premier League soccer match between Brentford and Chelsea in London, England, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
