U.S. hits Russia with sanctions over interference
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on a series of Russian organizations and individuals on Thursday in retaliation for interference in the 2016 presidential election and other “malicious cyberattacks,” its most significant action against Moscow since President Donald Trump took office.
The sanctions came as the United States joined with the U.K., France and Germany in denouncing Russia for its apparent role in a nerve-gas attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter on British soil, calling it a “clear violation” of international law. The U.K. has expelled 23 Russian diplomats in response to that attack. British police also are conducting a murder investigation in the death of an exiled Russian businessman who died in London of compression to the neck.
The U.S. sanctions targeted the same three Russian organizations and 13 individuals indicted by special counsel Robert Mueller for an operation spreading disinformation and propaganda to disrupt American democracy and, eventually, promote Trump. The sanctions also targeted two other organizations and six individuals in response to various cyberattacks dating to March 2016, including a previously unconfirmed attempt to penetrate the American energy grid.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to easily win re-election to a fourth term Sunday despite questions about the legitimacy of the vote.