The US has introduced new sanctions against Russia, adding some more government companies, officials and businessman to the blacklist. Putin called new sanctions ‘a bit strange’. It seems that the West tries to hurt most the ruling elite and Putin’s friends.
The US backed Europe and announced the similar sanctions, including the tightening of existing 90-day lending bans affecting six other large Russian banks to 30 days. In addition to the finance sector, the latest sanctions target Russia's top oil producers, gas pipeline operators and defense industry.
“Given Russia's direct military intervention and blatant efforts to destabilize Ukraine, we have deepened our sanctions against Russia today, in concert with our European allies," said US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew. “These steps underscore the continued resolve of the international community against Russia’s aggression. Russia’s economic and diplomatic isolation will continue to grow as long as its actions do not live up to its words. Russia’s economy is already paying a heavy price for its unlawful behavior. Growth has fallen to near zero, inflation is well above target, and Russian financial markets continue to deteriorate”, he added.
The US sanctions block support or technology for Arctic and offshore exploration by five Russian energy firms - Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosneft, Surgutneftegaz and Transneft.
The US imposed sanctions against Russia's six largest banks — Bank of Moscow, Gazprombank, Russian Agricultural Bank, Sberbank, VEB, and VTB Bank.
