The U.S. Sanctions Dozens of Individuals and Entities for 'Profiting from Russia's War Against Ukraine'

On Thursday, the United States imposed dozens of new sanctions against individuals close to the Russian government, as well as its industrial bases, financial institutions, and suppliers. The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury announced nearly 100 new sanctions, adding that Washington will continue to impose sanctions and economic restrictions to weaken Russia's military capabilities against Ukraine. The U.S. State Department also sanctioned over 70 individuals, stating that those sanctioned are individuals who profit from, support, and contribute to Russia's war against Ukraine. Janet Yellen, U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated, 'The United States continues its relentless efforts to target Russia's military supply chains and deprive Putin of the equipment, technology, and services he needs for his brutal war against Ukraine.' She added, 'We have also made it clear that these individuals and entities that benefit from the aggression and their proximity to the Kremlin will be held accountable, and today's actions demonstrate our global reach to impose heavy costs on Putin's oligarchs.' Thursday's sanctions package is one of the largest from the State and Treasury Departments, with those sanctioned coming from Russia, Poland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Georgia. Five companies based in Turkey and one Turkish citizen were among those sanctioned for allegedly helping Russia evade sanctions and supporting Moscow's aggression against Ukraine. A senior U.S. Treasury official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters, 'Over the past 18 months, we have shared our concerns with the Turkish government and private sector and informed them of the significant risks of dealing with those associated with Russia's war [against Ukraine].' These sanctions come as Washington hopes the Turkish parliament will approve Sweden's NATO membership bid in its early October session. Since the onset of Putin's invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, the U.S. and its allies have imposed several extensive sanctions packages against Russia. The United States has consistently emphasized its support for Ukraine in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, providing the country with billions of dollars in humanitarian, financial, economic, and military assistance.