New Sanctions Imposed Against Russia's 'Accomplices' in the War with Ukraine; Evasion of Sanctions Becomes More Difficult

On Tuesday, the United States imposed new sanctions against over 250 individuals and organizations linked to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. The U.S. Treasury Department announced that the new sanctions target a wide range of specific individuals and organizations in Russia, China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries that have bolstered Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine and are increasing Russia's energy production and export capacity. Multiple individuals and financial institutions in Russia, Russian energy companies involved in developing a liquefied natural gas terminal in the Baltic Sea, third-country organizations transferring technologies such as ball or roller bearings, aircraft parts, and X-ray systems to Russia, as well as commercial satellite imaging companies based in China that have provided high-resolution images to the Russian Wagner mercenary group are among the targets of the new U.S. sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, 'We will continue to use the tools at our disposal to advance accountability for Russia's crimes in Ukraine and those who finance and support Russia's war machine.' The U.S. has previously imposed extensive sanctions against Russia since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Moscow has labeled the imposed sanctions as illegal and claims that they hinder the development of the Russian economy. Intelligence reports indicate that 315,000 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded in the war in Ukraine. Zelensky called for continued financial support for Ukraine in Congress to counter Russia. Finland warned that the expansion of relations between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea poses a serious threat to Europe. Russia claims it is working on a 'big new agreement' with the Islamic Republic. Zelensky urged Congress in Washington not to play into Russia's hands. Aides to Alexei Navalny reported that he has disappeared in the Russian prison system. Ukraine claims to have shot down 'eight ballistic missiles' from Russia.