![New Round of US and EU Sanctions Target Russia Over Navalny’s Death and Ukraine Conflict 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F6c2Ff82Fd155529529fefbe26bce46e15e6d2Fec5af3a465e94361920a81bbe1d46508](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F6c2Ff82Fd155529529fefbe26bce46e15e6d2Fec5af3a465e94361920a81bbe1d46508.jpeg?w=1170)
In a joint effort to curb Russian aggression, the United States and the European Union announced a fresh set of punitive measures against Russia on Friday. The sanctions, which align with the two-year mark since the onset of the Ukraine invasion, also come as a reaction to the recent death of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition figure, in a Russian penal colony.
The American government has introduced approximately 600 new sanctions, marking the most significant rollout of restrictions since the commencement of the Ukraine crisis on February 24, 2022. These measures target entities that bolster the Russian military apparatus.
The EU has also taken a stern approach by imposing penalties on various foreign corporations accused of supplying Russia with dual-use products that could support its military operations in Ukraine. Additionally, a host of Russian officials have been sanctioned by the EU, most notably those implicated in the forceful relocation and conscription of Ukrainian children.
President Biden underscored that these sanctions respond to Putin’s “harsh campaign of expansion” and Navalny’s passing. He assured that the U.S. would persist in holding Putin accountable for his hostile international postures and oppressive domestic policies.
Despite the economic strain caused by preceding sanctions, their influence on Putin’s determinations has been limited. The impact of this latest comprehensive round on altering Putin’s stance remains to be seen.
Directly addressing Navalny’s death, the U.S. State Department has zeroed in on three Russian officials believed to be linked to the incident, enacting travel bans and asset restrictions against them. These sanctions are largely symbolic due to the improbability of these officials having any significant connections to the West.
The Biden administration anticipates enforcing further sanctions, with White House national security spokesperson John Kirby revealing that these initial measures are just the beginning.
Internal U.S. politics have entangled the war with House Republicans stonewalling additional funding for Ukraine. Controversial statements have emerged from former President Donald Trump, suggesting that he would give free rein to Russia over nations that he considers under-contributing to the NATO alliance.
Biden’s call to action implores Congress to approve the stalled Ukraine aid, emphasizing the urgency as Russian forces make territorial gains. He stressed that any delay in backing Ukraine at this crucial juncture would be a historical lapse.
Further sanctions targeting Russian entities engaged in facilitating the conflict — such as drone manufacturers and financial institutions — were announced. Visa restrictions will also be applied to individuals involved in the abduction and confinement of Ukrainian children. Additional sanctions are being placed on entities across China, Serbia, the UAE, and Liechtenstein for assisting Russia in circumventing financial penalties.
In retaliation, the Russian Foreign Ministry has criticized EU sanctions and has barred certain EU citizens from entry for providing military aid to Ukraine. Overall, the U.S. and EU sanctions have now extended to over 2,000 persons and entities suspected of subverting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Among the new parties sanctioned were companies producing electronic components that could have military applications. These actions are part of efforts to strip Russia of assets vital for their drone warfare capabilities. Moreover, a G7-imposed $60 per barrel cap on Russian oil seeks to diminish the nation’s fossil fuel income.
Critics argue that the sanctions, including the oil price cap, are inadequate to halt the conflict swiftly. According to Maria Snegovaya, a CSIS senior fellow, targeting defense industries without addressing Russia’s oil revenues is insufficient to end the war. Simultaneously, the U.S. Treasury Department contends that the cap is effective, showing a 40% drop in Russia’s oil tax revenue in the initial nine months of 2023.
Wally Adeyemo, Treasury Deputy Secretary, suggested that rather than reducing the price cap, more rigorous actions are planned to hike Russia’s oil production costs. He also acknowledged, however, that sanctions alone cannot ensure Ukraine’s victory, affirming the necessity of continued support.
AP correspondents Josh Boak, Zeke Miller, and Emma Burrows contributed to this report.
FAQ
- What triggered the new round of sanctions against Russia?
The sanctions were in response to two main factors: the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the recent death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in custody. - Who implemented the new sanctions?
The United States and the European Union both announced new sanctions against Russia. - What do the sanctions entail?
The U.S. has imposed approximately 600 sanctions, targeting Russian entities that support the military. The EU has sanctioned companies exporting dual-use goods and Russian officials involved in relocating Ukrainian children. - Have previous sanctions been effective against Russia?
While previous sanctions have economically burdened Russia, they have not yet significantly deterred Putin’s military actions in Ukraine. - How has Russia responded to these new sanctions?
The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the EU sanctions as “illegal” and has placed entry bans on some EU citizens providing military aid to Ukraine.
Conclusion
The united front of the US and EU in imposing new sanctions on Russia indicates a continued commitment to holding President Vladimir Putin accountable for his actions in Ukraine and for human rights violations such as the death of Alexei Navalny. However, these actions also highlight the complex challenges in effecting change through economic pressure. It remains to be seen how these expanded sanctions will affect the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Russian economy, and Putin’s strategies moving forward. The international community continues to seek ways to support Ukraine while striving to find a resolution to this protracted conflict.