From Le Figaro with AFP
Published 2 hours ago, updated 2 hours ago
American President Joe Biden accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of being “responsible” for the death of his opponent Alexei Navalny, announced on February 16. ARMEND NIMANI / AFP
The White House announced on Thursday that “significant” sanctions against Russia would be announced on Friday, in response to the prison death of Alexei Navalny's Russian opponent, but also to mark the two-year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
The United States will announce new sanctions against Russia on Friday, targeting more than 500 companies linked to “its supporters and war machine,” a US Treasury Department spokesman told AFP on Thursday, February 22 with. “This will be the largest tranche since Putin's invasion of Ukraine began,” she said, emphasizing that these sanctions would be imposed by both the Treasury and State Departments.
The White House had indicated earlier in the day that “major” sanctions against Russia would be announced on Friday, in response to the prison death of Alexei Navalny's Russian opponent, but also to commemorate the two years that have passed since the invasion Of Ukraine. American President Joe Biden met Alexei Navalny's widow and daughter in San Francisco on Thursday. The 81-year-old Democrat accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of being “responsible” for his death, which was announced on February 16. “We already have sanctions, but we are thinking about more,” he said on Monday.
Aid to Ukraine blocked in US Congress
The United States and the European Union have already imposed a series of sanctions against Moscow since the outbreak of war following Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The Biden administration regularly pledges support to Ukraine, but $60 billion in U.S. military aid is currently blocked in Congress.
For its part, the United Kingdom announced on Thursday additional sanctions against Russia, targeting more than 50 individuals and companies, particularly in sectors that allow the Russian army to supply ammunition, missiles and explosives and are “important sources of revenue for Russia.” . such as trading in metals, diamonds and energy resources. London also announced new missile deliveries to the Ukrainians.