WASHINGTON — The United States could unveil new economic sanctions on Russia over its support for separatists in eastern Ukraine "as soon as today," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Tuesday.
The new measures would come as the European Union finalizes sanctions against Russia's financial, defense and energy sectors, its most sweeping sanctions so far.
"This is not the finish line here. We need to assess whether or not these economic costs that are being imposed on Russia have the desired effect," Earnest told reporters in a briefing.
The United States has been working closely with the EU to step up sanctions. Earnest gave no details about the new U.S. sanctions, but said the EU sanctions "will track pretty closely with the previous announcements that have been made by this administration."
The last round of U.S. sanctions, announced on July 17, hit Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft, its second largest gas producer Novatek and its third largest bank Gazprombank, as well as other banks, prominent individuals and the weapons manufacturer Kalashnikov.
See also:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
