The United States has imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Russia over the war in Ukraine, with a particular focus on Moscow’s efforts to evade Western measures, including through Chinese support, Reuters reports.
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nearly 200 targets, including 20 Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies, while the US State Department designated more than 80 targets. The sanctions, which also targeted entities in Azerbaijan, Belgium, Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Slovakia, aim to hinder Russia’s acquisition of technology and equipment from abroad. Specifically, actions were taken against a China-based company facilitating the production of drones for Russia, along with other technology suppliers in China and Hong Kong. Both Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have warned China about its support for Russia during recent visits.
The US also accused Russia of violating a chemical weapons ban and expanded sanctions to target Russia’s future ability to export liquefied natural gas (LNG), a key Russian export. This includes designating vessel operators involved in transporting equipment for Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project. Sanctions also targeted Russian state nuclear power company Rosatom subsidiaries and entities within the Sibanthracite group of companies, a major producer of metallurgical coal in Russia. Additionally, Russian air carrier Pobeda, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, was sanctioned.
Furthermore, the State Department addressed the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, sanctioning three individuals linked to his imprisonment. These officials oversaw Navalny’s confinement and were implicated in his treatment leading up to his death.
