Biden administration announces long-awaited sanctions on Russia

The United States (US) on Thursday (15 April) announced economic sanctions on Russia. The reasons sanctions are being imposed include Russian interference in the US presidential election, Russian activities in Crimea and along the border with Ukraine, and cyber activities carried out on US territory. The announcement also mentions Russia's alleged support for the Taliban, which carries out attacks on American soldiers in Afghanistan.

US President Joe Biden appears to be targeting Russian finances with economic measures. American financial institutions are now prohibited from buying up Russian roubles or government bonds directly from the Russian Central Bank, making it harder for Moscow to borrow money internationally.

Furthermore, 32 Russian individuals and companies have been sanctioned for alleged involvement in influencing the 2020 presidential elections. Ten Russians are being expelled – some of whom allegedly working for Russian intelligence under diplomatic cover. The Biden administration has also named six Russian tech companies that were involved in a server hack of the IT company SolarWinds.

The US sanctions have been in the air for a long time. In a reaction to the new sanctions, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia was summoning the US ambassador for a diplomatic dressing-down to tell him that "a series of retaliatory measures will follow soon".

Last Tuesday (12 April), President Biden, during a telephone conversation, invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for a physical meeting "in a third country" to discuss all issues between the two countries. It is not known how Putin reacted to Biden's invitation. The Russian ministry spokeswoman, Zakharova, said a possible summit could be imperilled by the new sanctions.

 
Source: commonspace.eu with agencies
Photo: The American President Joe Biden (EPA)

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

On March 27, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, issued a statement calling on the Georgian government to “fully respect” its human rights obligations as a Council of Europe member state, “including with regard to the protection of the human rights of LGBTI people,” in response to the ruling party’s initiation of two draft constitutional laws on “family values and the protection of minors.” “I am concerned about the present political discourse in Georgia, as illustrated by the announcement made by the Georgian Dream Party of their initiative to amend the Constitution and to adopt a new constitutional law on ‘Protection of Family Values and Underaged Persons’. It is reflective of entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people which still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians, and is capable of having a strong, negative impact on the human rights, safety and well-being of LGBTI people and defenders of their rights. It also represents the political manipulation of LGBTI-phobia in the run-up to elections, which I have previously condemned, and which should have no place in a democratic society, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of everyone.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

Dunya Mijatovic: "Entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians"

On March 27, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, issued a statement calling on the Georgian government to “fully respect” its human rights obligations as a Council of Europe member state, “including with regard to the protection of the human rights of LGBTI people,” in response to the ruling party’s initiation of two draft constitutional laws on “family values and the protection of minors.” “I am concerned about the present political discourse in Georgia, as illustrated by the announcement made by the Georgian Dream Party of their initiative to amend the Constitution and to adopt a new constitutional law on ‘Protection of Family Values and Underaged Persons’. It is reflective of entrenched harmful stereotypes and prejudice against LGBTI people which still prevail in segments of Georgian society, including some politicians, and is capable of having a strong, negative impact on the human rights, safety and well-being of LGBTI people and defenders of their rights. It also represents the political manipulation of LGBTI-phobia in the run-up to elections, which I have previously condemned, and which should have no place in a democratic society, based on the rule of law and respect for human rights of everyone.