Either way, it would be a step further than Joe Biden ever went. The former president, a much stronger backer of Kyiv, was unwilling to crack down against Russian energy exports, fearful of the impact on pump prices and his chance of re-election.

The legislation, which would allow the president to levy a 500% tariff on imports from countries that purchase Russian uranium, gas and oil, has gained momentum in the Senate as Trump has signaled he will escalate US action against Russia.