US Senator Calls For ‘Bone-Crushing’ Sanctions To Halt India, China, Brazil From Buying Russian Oil

A senior United States Senator has called for the imposition of “bone-crushing sanctions” to deter countries such as India, China, and Brazil from purchasing Russian oil, asserting that Moscow continues to fund its war machine through rising energy revenues despite existing Western measures. The remarks signal a hardening stance within American political circles amid persistent challenges in fully isolating Russia’s energy sector.

What Did The Senator Say?

The Senator, addressing a Senate committee hearing on global sanctions enforcement, stated:

“If we are serious about stopping Putin, we need bone-crushing sanctions that will end Russia’s energy revenue. India, China, Brazil, and others continue to buy discounted Russian oil, and this funds the war against Ukraine.”

While the Senator did not name specific policy proposals during the hearing, aides later clarified that draft measures are being prepared to impose secondary sanctions on financial institutions and entities facilitating Russian crude purchases outside the G7 price cap system.

Current Scenario: The G7 Price Cap

The G7, alongside the EU and Australia, introduced a price cap of USD 60 per barrel for Russian crude exports, aiming to squeeze Kremlin revenues without disrupting global oil supplies. However, countries like India and China continue importing Russian crude at prices often hovering just below the cap, aided by:

• Shadow fleets of tankers operating beyond Western maritime insurance systems.
• Local currency settlements to avoid dollar-linked banking channels.
• Discounts offered by Russia to retain strategic buyers.

Why Is The US Pushing For Harsher Measures Now?

The calls for intensified sanctions come amid:

1. Russia’s Rising Oil Revenues: Despite sanctions, Moscow’s oil income grew by over 50% in the first half of 2025, funding its military operations in Ukraine.
2. Limited Enforcement Capacity: Western enforcement of maritime restrictions has been challenged by opaque ownership of tankers and alternative insurance routes.
3. Geopolitical Realignment: China, India, and Brazil, among other BRICS nations, are deepening their strategic energy cooperation with Russia, defying US-led restrictions.

India’s Stand On Russian Oil

India has consistently defended its oil trade with Russia, highlighting:

• Energy security imperatives for its 1.4 billion population.
• Rising demand amid global economic expansion.
• That it does not violate any international law, as it primarily negotiates below the price cap and uses Indian refiners to process the crude for domestic consumption.

Senior Indian officials argue that their diversified energy procurement is stabilising global oil prices and insulating emerging economies from volatility caused by geopolitical conflicts.

China’s Energy Policy Alignment

China remains Russia’s largest energy buyer, importing:

Chinese state refiners secure significant discounts, ensuring high refining margins despite sanctions. Beijing has also opposed unilateral sanctions not backed by the UN Security Council.

Brazil’s Strategic Purchases

Brazil has ramped up purchases of Russian diesel and fuel oil for:

• Cheaper feedstock for its refining sector.
• Balancing supply gaps amid seasonal domestic production dips.

President Lula da Silva’s administration maintains a non-aligned stance on Ukraine, prioritising domestic economic needs over Western geopolitical concerns.

Proposed US Secondary Sanctions

The Senator’s draft legislation reportedly aims to:

• Penalise banks, insurers, and logistics providers involved in Russian oil trade exceeding price caps.
• Block access to the US financial system for entities facilitating such purchases.
• Expand maritime enforcement by leveraging naval partnerships to track shadow tanker movements.

Critics Warn Of Global Fallout

Energy analysts warn that aggressive secondary sanctions could:

• Trigger oil price spikes, hurting global economic recovery.
• Escalate tensions with strategic partners like India and Brazil, jeopardising other bilateral initiatives including trade and climate cooperation.
• Strengthen Russia-China energy ties, creating an alternative trade bloc outside Western regulatory influence.

Geopolitical Analysts’ Views

Professor Michael Roth, Georgetown University

“Secondary sanctions have mixed track records. While they pressured Iran effectively, applying them on large economies like India or China could backfire economically and diplomatically.”

Lakshmi Iyer, Indian Oil Markets Expert

“India has built its refining margins strategy on Russian crude discounts. A sudden disruption without viable alternatives could impact inflation and current account deficits.”

Biden Administration’s Position

While the Senator’s remarks reflect growing hawkishness within Congress, the White House has so far adopted a calibrated approach, focusing on enforcing existing price cap mechanisms without triggering global oil market destabilisation. Senior officials emphasise:

• Strengthening maritime monitoring to curb evasion.
• Engaging India and China diplomatically to limit Russian imports.
• Avoiding measures that raise domestic fuel prices ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

What Lies Ahead?

The proposed legislation is expected to be tabled post the summer recess. Its passage remains uncertain given potential opposition from:

• Energy sector lobby groups fearing supply shocks.
• Strategic affairs committees prioritising Indo-Pacific cooperation with India over sanctions enforcement.

Conclusion

The call for “bone-crushing sanctions” marks an escalation in American rhetoric to economically isolate Russia. However, it also highlights the delicate balance the US must maintain between punishing Moscow and safeguarding its own geopolitical and economic interests with partners in Asia and Latin America.

Whether such hardline proposals translate into enacted policy remains to be seen. But they underscore a growing frustration within US political circles over Russia’s enduring oil revenues despite two years of extensive Western sanctions and embargoes.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on parliamentary statements, energy trade data, and geopolitical expert analysis at the time of publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, policy, or legal advice. Readers are advised to follow official government releases and verified financial advisories for further updates.