US slaps fresh sanctions on Russian oligarchs, officials
‘YOU WILL BE SORRY’ Russia‘s UN envoy hits out at UK on spy poisoning row WASHINGTON:
The Trump administration is punishing seven Russian oligarchs and 17 Russian government officials with sanctions for what the US calls Russia’s “malign activity” around the world.
The treasury department said 12 companies owned by the oligarchs are also targeted, along with a state-owned arms-dealing company and a subsidiary bank.
Senior Trump administration officials say the sanctions are not in response to any one activity.
They say it’s about punishing Moscow for the totality of its confrontational activity, including actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine, support for Syrian President Bashar Assad, cyber-hacking and attempts to subvert Western democracy.
The officials weren’t authorised to comment by name and briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.
The penalties come as the administration tries to show President Donald Trump isn’t too soft on the Kremlin.
On Thursday, Russia told Britain at the United Nations Security Council that “you’re playing with fire and you’ll be sorry” over its accusations that Moscow was to blame for poisoning a former Russian spy and his daughter.
It was the second showdown between Russia and Britain at the world body since the March 4 nerve agent attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in an English town. Russia, which requested Thursday’s council meeting, denies any involvement. The attack has had major diplomatic ramifications, with mass expulsions of Russian and Western diplomats. The UNSC first met over the issue on March 14 at Britain’s request.