US Imposes Sweeping Sanctions on Russia for Invading Ukraine
By The White House has announced a new package of sweeping sanctions targeting Russia on the one-year anniversary of its brutal invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions are part of the continued effort to increase economic pressure on President Putin and make it more difficult for him to wage war.
The package includes increased tariffs on more than 100 Russian metals, minerals and chemical products, with the goal of reducing U.S. reliance on those imports and slashing revenue for Russia.[0] The U.S. is also targeting companies, including some in China, that have helped Russia evade sanctions.[0]
The Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions that target at least 12 Russian banks and the country's mining industry, and they’re levying visa restrictions on 1,219 members of the Russian military for actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of Ukraine.[1] Three military officials will be blocked from entering the US due to their involvement “in gross violations of human rights perpetrated against Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war.”[2]
The Commerce Department will take new actions to restrict exports of U.S. materials and technologies to Russia.[3] They are also listing nearly 90 Russian and third-country companies, including some from China, for engaging in sanctions evasion. [4]
The sanctions come a day after President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine—where he walked the streets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and met with G7 members virtually.[5] The US also announced a $2 billion security assistance package to Ukraine, providing new equipment, air defense systems, and ammunition.[6]
The measures come as Putin announced he’ll suspend Russia’s involvement in the last nuclear treaty with the U.S. in response to President Biden’s visit to Kyiv.[3] The US and its allies are sending a strong message that they will not tolerate Russia’s aggression, and will continue to impose economic costs on the country in order to promote peace and stability in the region.
0. “White House announces additional Russia sanctions, Ukraine aid on anniversary of invasion” The Hill, 24 Feb. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3872123-white-house-announces-additional-russia-sanctions-ukraine-aid-on-anniversary-of-invasion
1. “United States Takes Sweeping Actions on the One Year Anniversary of Russia's War Against Ukraine – HS Today” HSToday, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.hstoday.us/ukraine/united-states-takes-sweeping-actions-on-the-one-year-anniversary-of-russias-war-against-ukraine
2. “US Treasury takes ‘one of its most significant sanctions actions to date' on anniversary of Russia's war against Ukraine” CNN, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/24/politics/us-treasury-sanctions-russia-ukraine-war/index.html
3. “U.S. Delivers More Russia Sanctions 1 Year Into War—Here’s What You Need To Know” Forbes, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/02/24/us-delivers-more-russia-sanctions-1-year-into-war-heres-what-you-need-to-know/
4. “U.S. rolls out new aid for Ukraine, sanctions for Russia one year into war” CBS News, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-new-aid-for-ukraine-sanctions-for-russia-one-year
5. “Experts react: One year after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US releases new sanctions and China steps in with a …” Atlantic Council, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/one-year-after-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-zelenskyy-biden/
6. “White House announces new sanctions against Russia on invasion anniversary” POLITICO, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/02/24/white-house-announces-sanctions-against-russia-ukraine-anniversary-00084308
