US slaps sanctions on Putin’s oligarch allies

◗ Those hit by sanctions include metals magnate Oleg Deripaska, tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, and Kirill Shamalov, a billionaire reported to be Putin’s son- in- law

Washington, April 6: The United States struck at the heart of President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle Friday, imposing sanctions on seven of Russia’s most influential oligarchs and 17 government officials for what it called “malign activity” around the world, stoking a diplomatic crisis that some have dubbed a new Cold War.

Those hit by this move designed to show that the Trump administration is taking tough action to stand up to Moscow include metals magnate Oleg Deripaska, described as operating for the Russian government, as well as Alexei Miller, director of state- owned energy giant Gazprom. Any assets they hold in areas under US jurisdiction could now be frozen.

Also on the list are tycoon Suleiman Kerimov, under investigation in France over allegations he brought in millions of euros in suitcases full of cash, and Kirill Shamalov, a billionaire reported to be Mr Putin’s son- in- law.

Russia’s state arms exporter, a key tool in Mr Putin’s efforts to support the modernisation of his own military by selling advanced hardware around the world, was also added to the sanctions list.

In all, President Trump’s administration targeted seven oligarchs, 12 companies they own or control, 17 senior Russian officials and a state- owned arms export company.

“The US is taking these actions in response to the totality of the Russian government’s ongoing and increasingly brazen pattern of malign activity across the world,” one official said.