The White House is getting ready to impose more severe sanctions on Russia following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a penal colony in the Arctic.
Jake Sullivan, the National Security Adviser, stated that these sanctions, which are being prepared just before the two-year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will be significant. They will target various aspects of Russia’s defense industry and sources of revenue that fuel Russia’s military actions and repression.
Sullivan emphasized that regardless of the exact cause of Navalny’s death, Russian President Vladimir Putin bears responsibility.
Russian authorities have not yet determined the cause of Navalny’s death and have delayed releasing his body for further investigation, according to members of his team.
The Treasury Department has refrained from providing specific details about the sanctions. Brian Nelson, the Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, is currently in Europe working on these sanctions ahead of the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Treasury Department highlighted the global coalition’s efforts to impose unprecedented sanctions on Russia’s military capabilities, disrupting Putin’s ability to equip and finance his military forces.
Various policy experts have proposed different measures to cut off Russia’s financial resources, including seizing Central Bank funds held mainly in Europe and reducing the price cap on Russian oil in international markets.
A working paper from the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions at Stanford University recommends heavier sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, suggesting lowering the price cap on Russian oil and extending the ban on Russian hydrocarbons by the EU and G7.
These sanctions are part of a broader strategy to pressure Russia and curtail its aggressive actions, particularly in light of Navalny’s death, which has sparked international outrage and calls for accountability.
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