The USA are tightening the sanctions screw even more!
For the anniversary of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine the United States announced new measures against Moscow. The punitive measures are aimed at banks and the defense industry, among others.
The White House announced on Friday that the sanctions will target “200 individuals and entities, including both Russian and third-country actors in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who support Russia’s war effort.” In addition, measures would be taken that to make it more difficult for Russia to circumvent sanctions that have already been decided.
The US has imposed a string of harsh sanctions on Moscow since Russia began invading Ukraine. Those affected by the punitive measures announced on Friday include “a dozen Russian financial institutions” as well as Russian officials and pro-Kremlin authorities “who operate illegally in Ukraine.”
The US Commerce Department will impose export controls on nearly 90 companies from Russia and third countries such as China, according to the White House, for “engaging in activities to circumvent sanctions and in replacement procurement in support of the Russian defense sector”.
Affected companies are prohibited from buying products, such as semiconductors, that are made in the United States or that use US technology and software abroad.
The USA also targeted the Russian metals and mining sector with the new sanctions package, which had been decided in coordination with the G7 partners. An increase in tariffs on more than a hundred Russian metals, minerals and chemicals worth around 2.8 billion US dollars had been decided. “It will also significantly increase the cost of aluminum that has been melted or cast in Russia to enter the US market,” the White House said.
At their virtual summit meeting on Friday to mark the anniversary of the start of the war, the G7 countries want to set up a coordination mechanism to enforce sanctions. According to the White House, the United States will chair the new body for the first year.
(AFP/cbu)