Janet Yellen, the US Treasury Secretary, has voiced strong concerns regarding a proposed bill that seeks to impose extremely high tariffs—up to 500%—on countries that continue to purchase oil and gas from Russia. The legislation, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to pressure foreign nations into cutting their energy ties with Russia by penalizing imports with heavy tariffs.

Yellen cautioned that such drastic measures might trigger negative consequences for the global economy, including soaring energy prices that could hurt consumers worldwide, including in the United States. She stressed that policymakers must carefully evaluate the broader economic fallout before enacting such sanctions.

The Treasury Secretary’s warning highlights the delicate balance between enforcing sanctions on Russia and maintaining stability in global energy markets. Experts warn that overly aggressive sanctions could disrupt supply chains, worsen inflation, and strain diplomatic relations with key allies who rely on Russian energy imports.

As tensions between the West and Russia remain high, the debate over how far to go with economic restrictions continues to divide policymakers. Yellen’s comments suggest a preference for more measured approaches to avoid unintended collateral damage while still exerting pressure on Moscow.