New US sanctions against Russia

On the first anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war, the United States announced new sanctions against Russia and its allies, consisting of export restrictions and high customs duties.

The United States has joined the G7 countries’ plans to impose sanctions on 200 individuals and institutions and a dozen Russian financial institutions.

US President Joe Biden will sign an executive order today that will increase tariffs on Russian goods imported by the US. The new regulations will increase customs duties on more than 100 Russian metal and mineral products and chemicals, which they generate about $2.8 billion in revenue for Russia.

“(This agreement) will also significantly increase the cost of aluminum smelted or poured in Russia and brought to the US market to prevent damage to the domestic (US) aluminum industry,” the White House said.

WILL AFFECT THIRD COUNTRIES

In the White House statement, it was indicated that the new sanctions are directed at “third-country actors” in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, who support Russia’s war activities, as well as individuals and institutions in Russia.

“We will also impose sanctions on other persons linked to Russia’s technology and defense industry, and on those who stock Russian products covered by sanctions or allow Russia to evade sanctions,” the statement said.

On the other hand, the United States has declared that it will provide two billion dollars in arms aid to Ukraine before a new attack planned by Ukraine in the spring. The arms aid does not include the F-16 fighter jets demanded by Ukraine.

Biden will discuss with the leaders of the G7 countries and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at 1700 CET what further assistance can be provided to Ukrainians. (Reuters)