July 21 (UPI) — The Biden administration has implemented a series of punitive measures aimed at reducing Russia’s ability to engage in warfare. This includes the blacklisting of around 120 individuals and entities.
The sanctions, imposed by the State and Treasury departments, target various individuals, companies, and ships primarily located in Russia, as well as Serbia, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. These measures freeze all property and interest held in their names and prohibit U.S. citizens from conducting business with them.
According to U.S. officials, these actions specifically target Russia’s munitions factories and high-technology industries. They aim to disrupt Russia’s access to the international financial system, limit its revenue from mining and metals industries, and disrupt its technology suppliers, importers, and developers.
“As long as Russia continues to wage its unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine, we will impose sanctions to deprive Russia of the technology it needs and disrupt the Russian arms industry’s ability to resupply,” stated Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo in a released statement.
The Biden administration officials emphasized that these sanctions align with commitments made by leaders of the G7 nations during meetings on February 24 and May 19.
Following the G7 summit in Japan, the group imposed sanctions on Russia and pledged to provide Ukraine with F-16 warplanes.
Additionally, the United Kingdom independently sanctioned 13 individuals and firms associated with the Wagner Group. This action is in response to the group’s activities in Mali, the Central African Republic, and Sudan, where they have sought to destabilize these African nations on behalf of Russia.
Additionally, the European Union, consisting of 27 member states, has established a new framework for imposing sanctions on Iran due to its military support for Russia’s warfare.
Previous sanctions have already hampered the Kremlin’s ability to produce and secure weaponry. As a result, Russia has turned to countries like Iran and North Korea to replenish its diminishing supplies.
In particular, Russia has been relying on Iran for the procurement of drones. However, the new sanctions regime introduced by the EU on Thursday prohibits the export of drone components from the union to Iran.
Furthermore, the EU also imposed sanctions on six Iranians as a demonstration of their commitment to swiftly and decisively respond to Iran’s actions.
“The European Union condemns the delivery of Iranian drones to Russia and their deadly deployment in the war of aggression against Ukraine,” stated the EU in a statement.
The United States announced these sanctions a day after unveiling a $1.3 billion military package for Ukraine to enhance its defense against Russia. Russia initiated its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over 500 days ago on February 24, 2022.
