The Biden administration is set to impose a new round of sanctions on over 500 targets in response to the death of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny and ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s war in Ukraine. This move, announced by a Treasury official, represents the latest effort by the administration to penalize Russia amidst growing tensions between the two nations.
Speaking on Tuesday, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan described the upcoming measures as a “significant package” targeting various aspects of Russia’s defense industry and key sources of revenue that support its military activities.
President Joe Biden had earlier indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin bore responsibility for Navalny’s death. Biden’s comments came after a meeting with Navalny’s family in San Francisco, where he referred to Putin as a “crazy SOB” during a fundraising event. The Kremlin denounced Biden’s remarks as a “huge disgrace” for the United States.
Sullivan characterized the sanctions as another step in the ongoing effort to pressure Russia. Despite previous Western sanctions affecting Russia’s economy, Putin has remained undeterred in his actions, prompting the US to pursue additional measures.
According to a senior US official, the sanctions were already in the works before Navalny’s death and were subsequently augmented following the opposition leader’s passing. US officials also collaborated with European partners on crafting the new sanctions package.
