President Joe Biden announced that the United States is preparing to impose substantial sanctions on Russia. The punitive measures are a response to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny and Russia’s ongoing involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. While the President did not delve into specific details, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan revealed that the sanctions would encompass Russia’s defense and industrial bases, along with economic revenue sources.
The sanctions package aims to hold Russia accountable for Navalny’s demise, asserted White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. Notably, the senior US official disclosed that an existing sanctions plan, would be reevaluated and augmented in response to Navalny’s tragic death.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson, currently on a European trip, is engaging in discussions about sanctions related to Navalny’s death. The Treasury emphasized Nelson’s exploration of Washington’s authority to target individuals supporting Russia’s war production efforts, even if located in third countries, adding that the US is actively pursuing those attempting to evade sanctions.
This development follows a series of prior sanctions imposed by the US on Russia, encompassing key figures, banks, and officials in response to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the 2020 poisoning and imprisonment of Navalny. The opposition leader’s sudden death at the “Polar Wolf” penal colony has escalated tensions, prompting the US to take additional measures against Russia.
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