US to impose ‘major sanctions package’ on Russia over Alexei Navalny’s death. The United States is poised to enact substantial sanctions against Russia this Friday in response to the recent death of prominent opposition leader Alexei Navalny and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as announced by President Joe Biden on Tuesday.
While specific details of the sanctions were not disclosed, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that they would target key sectors of the Russian economy, including its defense and industrial bases, as well as revenue sources.
The decision to impose sanctions comes amidst mounting international concern over Navalny’s fate and Russia’s continued involvement in the Ukrainian war.
White House national security spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that the measures aim to hold Russia accountable for its actions, both in Navalny’s case and throughout the conflict in Ukraine.
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In response to Navalny’s untimely death, plans for a sanctions package initially intended to coincide with the second anniversary of the Ukrainian conflict are now under review and expected to be expanded.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Brian Nelson, the Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, currently on a trip to Europe, is discussing potential sanctions related to Navalny’s demise.
Discussions also include exploring avenues to target individuals or entities supporting Russia’s war production efforts, even if they are situated in third countries.
The Treasury underscored its commitment to aggressively pursuing those attempting to evade US sanctions.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United States has implemented a comprehensive array of sanctions against Russia, including targeting top officials, financial institutions, and President Vladimir Putin himself.
These measures were also in response to Navalny‘s poisoning in 2020 and subsequent imprisonment, leading to sanctions against individuals linked to Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) and other government officials.
Navalny, a staunch critic of Putin, tragically passed away last Friday under suspicious circumstances while serving a lengthy prison sentence at the “Polar Wolf” penal colony in the Arctic Circle, according to the Russian prison service.
As US to impose ‘major sanctions package’ on Russia over Alexei Navalny’s death, the circumstances surrounding his death have sparked international condemnation and calls for accountability.
