Mass US sanctions campaign targets 200 Russian individuals, entities

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 May 22:21

Among those targeted by the sanctions are vessels and aircraft in the hope of restricting Moscow and third parties' abilities to circumvent previously imposed sanctions.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken appears before a Senate Appropriations hearing on the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2024, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced, on Friday, that over 200 individuals, entities, vessels, and aircraft have been targeted by the new US sanctions or actions blocking property.

In his statement, Blinken revealed that "the Department of State is imposing sanctions on or identifying as blocked property over 200 entities, individuals, vessels, and aircraft."

Moreover, the statement noted that "today’s actions include designations of targets across Russia’s defense and related materiel, technology, and metals and mining sectors," adding that US restrictions "also include the designation of entities and individuals involved in expanding Russia’s future energy production and capacity."

Significantly, the statement highlighted that some sanctions targeted "entities and individuals that have engaged in the systematic and unlawful deportation of Ukraine’s children," an action that has been referred to, by Russian media, as the evacuation of minors from conflict regions. The statement also argued that the sanctions targeted personnel and entities that have also transported "stolen grain from Ukraine."

Moreover, it has been underscored that the newly imposed sanctions would serve to "reinforce the commitment the United States and its partners have made to taking action against those" who allegedly play a positive role in allowing Moscow to circumvent existing anti-Russia sanctions and export restrictions.

According to the statement, the US has also designated a worldwide network of businesses that have allegedly participated in the acquisition of components for the Russia-based entity responsible for the construction of the Orlan drone.

Other G7 members are also planning to "implement new sanctions and export controls," he added.

The bloc intends to impede alleged Russian weapons supplies, narrow evasion loopholes, and cut reliance on Russian energy even further, he added.

The official stressed that the summit will also continue to restrict Moscow's access to the international financial system and commit to freezing Russian assets until the Ukraine war is over.

A European Union official indicated on Thursday that one potential subject for discussion was Russia's multibillion-dollar diamond business.

"We believe we need to limit exports from Russian trade in this sector," the official said, stressing that Indian buy-in would be critical to making any new measures work.

It is worth noting that India accounts for a significant percentage of the world's rough diamond commerce.

"We would like to engage in a dialogue with them, because the diamond industry is quite important in India," the official said.

Russia is not the only country discussed at the G7 in terms of eyed sanctions.