The announcement made on Friday by the U.S. Treasury Department, in partnership with the State Department, stated that over 500 entities have been sanctioned for aiding Russia’s actions of suppression, human rights violations, and aggression towards Ukraine. The Commerce Department will also be adding 90+ companies to the Entity List, according to the announcement.

“We are deeply saddened that Russia’s senseless and violent war of choice is still ongoing, and we must continue to demonstrate determination and solidarity with the Ukrainian people,” stated Alan Estevez, an undersecretary at the Commerce Department responsible for export policy.

The Treasury Department announced that the sanctions were in recognition of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as a response to the passing of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny while in a prison in the Arctic.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated that the economy and military-industrial sector of Russia are displaying apparent vulnerabilities, partially due to the measures we and our global partners and allies have implemented to assist Ukraine’s courageous defense.

Yellen appealed to the House of Representatives to approve the Ukraine aid legislation that has already been approved by the Senate. She emphasized the importance of standing with our global allies in providing resources to Ukraine to protect its independence and combat Putin’s cruel attack.

In a distinct declaration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated Yellen’s remarks and announced that the State Department will be implementing sanctions on over 250 individuals and entities that aid Russian aggression.

Blinken stated that our objectives involve individuals who are helping Russia evade our economic sanctions and those who are involved in boosting Russia’s energy, metals, and mining output for the future. Additionally, the Department is working towards holding Russian human rights violators accountable by implementing visa restrictions on five individuals backed by the Kremlin in Ukraine. These individuals have been linked to the deportation and imprisonment of children in Ukraine.

Earlier on Friday, during a press briefing, the highest-ranking U.S. diplomat stated that the sanctions will continue to have an increasing and enduring effect on Russia.

Blinken, in response to a question from Nike Ching, VOA’s State Department Bureau Chief, stated that the technology being withheld due to its actions will continue to have a greater and greater effect.

Blinken noted that the departure of over one million individuals, particularly those highly educated in fields such as science and technology, from Russia will have a significant effect.

“A higher cost”

On Friday, President Joe Biden announced that the latest sanctions will focus on individuals associated with Navalny’s detainment and the financial sector of Russia.

He stated that they will make sure Putin faces an even higher consequence for his aggressive actions outside of his country and for his suppression within his own country.

Biden praised the courage and resolve of the Ukrainian people in protecting their liberty and prospects. He stated that NATO is currently stronger, bigger, and more unified than ever before, and highlighted the unprecedented support from 50 nations, led by the US, in aid of Ukraine. He also emphasized the commitment to continue providing crucial assistance to Ukraine and holding Russia responsible for its aggressive actions.

Despite being hit with severe sanctions for the past two years, Russia’s economy, which primarily relies on exports and is valued at $2.2 trillion, has shown unexpected resilience. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to widespread devastation and tens of thousands of casualties.

According to the RIA news agency, Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the United States, stated that the recent imposed limitations are another audacious and deceitful effort to meddle in Russia’s internal affairs. He also stated that the latest round of sanctions by the U.S. is a direct assault on Russia’s fundamental interests, but Moscow will continue to defend them.

Furthermore, on Friday, Canada, along with the U.S. and Britain, declared that it will be implementing sanctions on 10 people and 153 organizations as a way to penalize Russia for its incursion into Ukraine. The European Union also recently approved its 13th set of sanctions against Russia, prohibiting close to 200 entities and individuals who are believed to have aided Russia in obtaining weapons or in abducting Ukrainian children.

Navalny funeral

A supporter of the deceased opposition figure, Alexey Navalny, claimed that Russian officials have given his mother an ultimatum: either she agrees to forgo a public funeral for her son, or they will bury him immediately on the prison grounds.

Ivan Zhdanov, Navalny’s close associate, said Lyudmila Navalnaya was given three hours to accept a proposal for a private funeral for her son, outside the public eye, in an effort to suppress any outpouring of sympathy for President Vladimir Putin’s nemesis.

Last Friday, at the age of 47, Navalny, a prominent political figure in opposition to the Russian government, passed away unexpectedly in a penal colony in the Arctic. His death prompted numerous Russians nationwide to construct and broadcast impromptu memorials adorned with flowers and candles.

The Russian government has arrested and imprisoned many people for this. They are trying to prevent any notable display of support and outrage for Putin’s most vocal opponent before the March presidential election, in which Putin is highly anticipated to be the victor.

This report includes contributions from Nike Ching, VOA’s Bureau Chief for the State Department. Information for this article was also supplied by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.

Source: voanews.com