In the most aggressive action by the Donald Trump administration against Russia, The United States has imposed sanctions against seven Russian oligarchs with close ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Among those affected are aluminum czar Oleg Deripaska, businessman and lawmaker Suleiman Kerimov and senior Russian official Alexander Torshin
This move is the latest in escalating retaliatory countermoves following the poisoning of former Russian double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter, Yulia, which saw Russia expel 60 US diplomats on April 5th after the US placed sanctions on 19 Russian individuals and five entities for “attempted interference in U.S. elections, destructive cyber-attacks, and intrusions targeting critical infrastructure” on March 15th.
The US’ tough stance on Russia contrasts sharply with president Trump’s softer approach towards Russian president Vladimir Putin, with whom, earlier this week, he said he hoped to continue on good terms.
The response from Russia has been swift. The Interfax news agency reports Russia’s embassy in Washington as saying “Washington has delivered yet another blow on the Russian-US relations. Now, the sanctions cover captains of Russian business who refuse to play to Washington’s scenario.”
To date, Trump’s administration has sanctioned a total of 189 Russian individuals and entities, according to a senior administration official.
Photo Credit: Cutout Photo: Gage Skidmore / CC BY-SA 2.0
