US releases new list of sanctions on Russian firms

Washington, Oct. 28: Under pressure from an impatient Congress, President Donald Trump’s administration belatedly published a list of Russian firms and agencies to comply with a new sanctions law.

Mr Trump had opposed the law, which restricted his authority to loosen measures imposed to punish Russia for its meddling in Ukraine and alleged interference in US politics.

But he begrudgingly signed off on the “Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act” in August after lawmakers passed it with a veto-proof majority.

Under the Act, the state department was obliged to draw up within 60 days a list of contractors with ties to Russia’s military and intelligence agencies.

On Thursday it finally sent the list to Congress, 25 days late, and on Friday it published it on its website.

The companies named include mainstays of Russia’s export industry such as the huge military arms and vehicle supplier Rosoboronexport and iconic firearms pioneer Kalashnikov.

Appearing on the list does not mean that the firms themselves face sanctions, but measures may be taken against entities that conduct “significant transactions” with them. Some of the firms and entities listed are already subject to direct US sanctions under separate laws or executive orders. A senior State Depa-rtment official said the administration shares Congress’ intent to respond “to Russia’s malign behaviour with respect to the crisis in eastern Ukraine, cyber intrusions and attacks, and human rights abuses.” He said that new sanctions could limit “the sale of advanced Russian weaponry around the world.”