More Illegal US Sanctions on Russia
by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org – Home – Stephen Lendman)
Imposition came as no surprise, likely more to come – 38 individuals and entities targeted this time on top of others earlier, another significant body blow to bilateral relations.
According to a senior administration official, sanctions were in response to “malign (Russian) activities across the world.”
They’re for opposing endless US wars of aggression, combating terrorism in Syria Washington supports, nonexistent “Russian aggression” in Ukraine, permitting Crimeans to correct a historic mistake by reuniting with Russia, nonexistent meddling in America’s political process, the US/UK Skripal incident falsely blamed on Moscow, among other unacceptable reasons.
A US Treasury statement said “(a)ll assets subject to US jurisdiction of the designated individuals and entities, and of any other entities blocked by operation of law as a result of their ownership by a sanctioned party, are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealings with them.”
“Additionally, non-US persons could face sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of the individuals or entities blocked today.”
Targeted Russian individuals and entities likely have no assets in America to freeze, foolhardy if any there given hostile bilateral relations.
Business officials and companies they represent were targeted to weaken Russia’s economy, notably its arms and energy sectors.
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov affirmed Moscow’s resolve not to be weakened by hostile US actions, the Kremlin to respond proportionately to sanctions and other unacceptable measures on its individuals and entities.
Other Russian officials expressed the same sentiment. Hostile US sanctions won’t go unanswered.
Friday isn’t the end of it, likely lots more to come. Moscow’s failure to respond to Washington (and Britain) in the only language they understand encourages more of the same against its government, officials and businesses.
VISIT MY NEW WEB SITE: stephenlendman.org (Home – Stephen Lendman). Contact at [email protected].
My newest book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."
