Slovakia May Face US Tariffs for Purchasing Russian Energy

A key moment following President Donald Trump's signing of the sweeping US sanctions bill, commonly referred to as the "sanctions from hell" bill, will be its practical implementation.

As Vladislav Vlasyuk, the Ukrainian president's representative for sanctions policy, told Ukrinform, the legislation allows for tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries among the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas.

The main potential targets include China, India and Turkey, though Hungary and Slovakia may also be added to the list once the data is updated. However, the US president may waive the tariffs with the appropriate approval from Congress.

For European buyers of Russian liquefied natural gas, the risk of tariffs will also depend on compliance with commitments to reduce imports and on statutory exemptions.

Vlasyuk also emphasized the need for stricter controls on fuel supplies from third countries helping Russia compensate for shortfalls following attacks on refineries. The aim of the law is to reduce Russia's energy revenues and enable sanctions against companies and intermediaries that help Russia obtain components and technologies for weapons production.

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