U.S. imposes new sanctions on 7 Russians, several Ukrainians
Los Angeles Times global affairs reporter Carol J. Williams chats with video journalist Ann Simmons about the decision of Ukraine’s Crimea region to secede and join Russia and the possible implications of this controversial move.
WASHINGTON -- President Obama has signed an order that imposes sanctions on seven Russian government officials, including a deputy prime minister and one of President Vladimir Putin’s closest advisers.
In a statement, the White House said Russia’s incursion in Crimea undermined “democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine; threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”
The sanctions are intended to “impose costs on named individuals who wield influence in the Russian government and those responsible for the deteriorating situation in Ukraine,” the White House added. “We stand ready to use these authorities in a direct and targeted fashion as events warrant.”
The sanctions also targeted Ukraine’s ousted pro-Russia president, Viktor Yanukovich, his chief of staff and two Crimea-based separatist leaders.
Obama also signed an executive order that would allow the United States to impose further sanctions against Russian government officials and their associates and officials tied to the arms sector in Russia.
A senior administration official said the move “should serve as notice to Russia” that the U.S. will continue to “impose costs” on Russia if it doesn’t reverse course in Ukraine.
kathleen.hennessey@latimes.com
Twitter: @khennessey
Twitter: @cparsons
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
