(VOVworld)-The United States imposed new sanctions Monday on seven Russian government officials, as well as 17 companies with links to Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is the US’s latest response to Russia's continued intervention in Ukraine.
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| President Vladimir Putin and Igor Sechin, head of oil giant Rosneft, |
Sanction targets include Igor Sechin, head of oil giant Rosneft, and Sergei Chemezov of the hi-tech firm Rostec, who will be subject to an asset freeze and a US visa ban, and 17 companies linked to Putin's inner circle, which will be subject to an asset freeze. In addition, the US Commerce Department and State Department are tightening their policy of denying export licenses for high-tech items that could contribute to Russia's military capability.
The same day, the EU agreed to visa bans and asset freezes on 15 individuals alleged to be involved in triggering instability in eastern Ukraine.
In response to the US and EU sanctions, Sergey Ryabkov, Russia's deputy minister for foreign relations, said the Russian government will take reciprocal steps.