Russia-Ukraine war: America will impose sanctions on 500 bases in Russia on the anniversary of Ukraine war

The United States will impose sanctions on more than 500 targets on Friday, acting to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Deputy US Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo told Reuters in an interview on Thursday.

The action, carried out in partnership with other countries, will target Russia’s military industrial complex and companies in third countries that facilitate Russia’s access to the goods it wants, Adeyemo said, as Washington faces tensions over the war and the death of the opposition leader. Wants to hold Russia responsible for this. Alexey Navalny.

“Tomorrow we will be lifting hundreds of sanctions here in the United States, but it’s important to step back and remember that it’s not just the United States that is taking these actions,” Adeyemo said.

The package would be the latest of thousands of sanctions targeting Moscow announced by the United States and its allies following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which killed thousands and destroyed cities.

The new penalties come as the US and its allies seek to keep up pressure on Russia, despite doubts over whether the US Congress will approve additional security aid for Kiev.

President Joe Biden’s administration has exhausted previously approved funds for Ukraine, and a request for additional funds is pending in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

“Sanctions and export controls are geared toward slowing down Russia, making it harder for them to fight the war of their choice in Ukraine,” Adeyemo said.

“But ultimately, to give Ukraine momentum, to give them the ability to defend themselves, Congress needs to take action to give Ukraine the resources and weapons they need.”

Experts have warned that the sanctions are not enough to stop Moscow’s attacks.

“What Congress does to provide additional military aid to Ukraine is going to matter more than anything they can do on the sanctions front,” said Peter Harrell, a former National Security Council official.

The Treasury Department said in December that Russia’s economy had been hit by sanctions and was projected to shrink by 2.1% in 2022.

Russia’s economy is 5% smaller than previously predicted, chief sanctions economist Rachel Lingas said in a new tab on the Treasury website.

Nevertheless, Russia’s economy has performed above expectations, with the International Monetary Fund forecast in January to open a new tab 2.6% GDP growth for 2024 – a 1.5 percentage point upgrade from the October forecast – That’s followed by solid 3.0% growth in 2023.

But IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozak said Thursday that it was “clear that Russia is now in a war economy,” with military spending boosting arms production, government social transfers boosting consumption despite declines elsewhere. Inflation is increasing.

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