The United States imposed numerous sanctions against Russia on Wednesday in an effort to escalate pressure on Moscow and uphold prior sanctions. The U.S. State and Treasury departments targeted over 250 entities, including some in China, to address Russia's circumvention of U.S. sanctions and its defense industry.
The Treasury also placed new restrictions on nearly 100 entities already under sanctions, potentially complicating future efforts to lift the measures. The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
The latest sanctions target around 100 key Russian entities like banks and energy companies, intensifying the risk of secondary sanctions. A senior Treasury official highlighted that these actions, implemented under an executive order, require congressional notification for reversals.
Legal expert Jeremy Paner noted that these sanctions are "Trump-proofed," necessitating congressional approval to revoke them. Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official now at Columbia University, described the move as "very significant," offering additional leverage to the new administration in dealings with Russia.
Former President Donald Trump's team had no immediate comment. Uncertainty lingers on how Trump will address the issue once he takes office, given his friendly stance towards Russian President Putin.
A diplomatic clash emerged with China over the sanctions evasion scheme between Russia and China. The Treasury identified regional clearing platforms in both countries facilitating cross-border payments for sensitive goods, involving Russian banks under U.S. sanctions.
Regarding the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, now under Russian control, the U.S. State Department levied sanctions. The plant, crucial for cooling nuclear material, remains affected but operational, according to Russian reports.
The Biden administration continues to enforce a series of punitive measures against Russia following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, striving to enhance negotiations for peace in the region. The recent, extensive sanctions aim to bolster Kyiv and the incoming administration's attempts to broker a resolution.