America is Considering New Sanctions Against Russia

Senior American officials said on Wednesday, February 21, that the Trump administration is considering new sanctions against Russia due to its "interference" in the U.S. elections. According to Reuters, three American officials involved in sanction activities told a group of reporters that the process of implementing these sanctions is proceeding slowly for legal reasons. These officials did not provide further details regarding the timing of the government's decision or the type of sanctions. However, they emphasized that two companies named in the 37-page indictment by Robert Mueller, the special counsel in the "Russian interference in the U.S. elections" case, had already been sanctioned. According to Reuters, these two companies, named "Concord Management and Consulting" and "Concord Catering," controlled the "Internet Research Agency." According to Mueller's indictment, the strategic goal of the "Internet Research Agency" was to promote discord "in the American political system, including the 2016 presidential election." American officials said on Wednesday that they are examining actions to counter interference in U.S. elections. They added that the issue of the midterm congressional elections in November 2018 and the possibility of interference in these elections is also under review. One of these officials stated that the process of implementing sanctions will be lengthy, but when evidence exists, we will proceed with sanctions. The grand jury related to the "Russian interference in the U.S. elections" case indicted 13 individuals and three Russian companies on Friday in connection with this case. In a report released by Mr. Mueller's office, the grand jury stated that Russians began interfering in the political process in the U.S. in 2014. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted in reference to the indictment that "Russia began its anti-American campaign in 2014, long before I announced my candidacy for the election." The case of Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election gradually completed in 2016, but it was in January 2017 that U.S. intelligence agencies published assessments officially accusing Moscow in this regard. However, as Robert Mueller and his team continue their investigations, three investigative committees in Congress are also examining the issue of Russian interference in U.S. elections. Heads of several U.S. intelligence services, including the CIA, FBI, and NSA, testified in the Senate Intelligence Committee that they believe Russian efforts in this area undoubtedly continue.