The United States Sanctions Seven Influential Individuals and Several Senior Russian Officials

One day after reports emerged about the United States' intention to sanction influential and wealthy individuals close to Putin's government, known as oligarchs, sanctions were announced against seven influential individuals, 17 senior Russian officials, and several Russian entities and companies. The seven influential figures placed on the U.S. sanctions list include the head of the Russian energy giant Gazprom, and they are accused of supporting Vladimir Putin's efforts to undermine Western democracies. Reuters reported on Thursday, April 5, citing sources, that the United States would impose new sanctions against Russia this week for alleged interference in U.S. elections, this time targeting a circle of oligarchs close to the Russian government. The U.S. intelligence community has accused the Russian government of interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, which Donald Trump won. Russia has repeatedly denied these allegations. Washington has imposed other sanctions against Russian officials and entities in recent months. In February of last year, reports emerged about the preparation of a list of figures known as oligarchs or the ruling minority close to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin. U.S. officials say these individuals have gained their wealth and power due to their connections with Putin. Now, the French news agency, citing senior officials in the U.S. government, has described these seven individuals, all of whom are considered international businessmen, as part of Putin's 'inner circle.' Among these seven is Oleg Deripaska, a giant in the aluminum industry in Russia, and Alexey Miller, the head of Gazprom. In addition to these seven individuals, 12 companies owned by them and 17 senior Russian officials are also on the new sanctions list, along with two other Russian companies that have been sanctioned. The recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Moscow and close associates of Vladimir Putin are based on a law known as 'CAATSA,' which was enacted due to allegations against Moscow regarding the annexation of Crimea, interventions in Syria, and interference in U.S. elections. Russia has not yet responded to these new sanctions.