The path of sanctions against the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his closest collaborators has continued since on February 24 he order to invade Ukraine. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against oligarchs close to the Kremlin.
“Today I am announcing that we will add dozens of names to the list, including one of Russia’s richest billionaires, and I am barring more than 50 Russian oligarchs, their families and their closest associates from traveling to the United States. And we will continue to support the Ukrainian people with direct assistance,” Biden said in a brief televised address.
The White House earlier published a fact sheet listing the names of entities and individuals whose assets and properties are being frozen in the US, as well as their family members.
Those sanctioned include Alisher Burhanovich Usmanov, “one of the richest people in Russia and a close ally of Putin.”
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s press secretary, has also been added to the list because, according to the White House, “he is one of the main providers of Putin’s propaganda.”
Washington has also restricted the visas of another 19 Russian oligarchs and 47 of their relatives, thereby barring them from entering US territory.
A foundation and some media outlets based in Russia and Ukraine will also be targeted for as-yet-unknown Justice Department sanctions.
“These entities have spread false narratives that promote Russian strategic objectives and falsely justify the activities of the Kremlin,” the White House note states.
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