The United States on Friday, unveiled a significant new wave of sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s war efforts, while President Joe Biden announced increased support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
According to CNN, the sanctions, introduced by the US Treasury and State Departments, target nearly 400 individuals and entities across Russia and China, focusing on those bolstering Russia’s supply chains and defense infrastructure, as well as evading existing sanctions.
The new measures were revealed ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day, highlighting the US’s continued support for Ukraine.
Biden also declared a new aid package for Kyiv, which includes air defense missiles and counter-drone technology.
In his statement, Biden emphasized the resilience of Ukraine and affirmed his commitment to its sovereignty: “When Russia’s senseless war began, Ukraine was a free country. Today, it is still a free country. And the war will end with Ukraine remaining a free, sovereign, and independent country.”
Biden, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, praised the Ukrainian people for their steadfast defense and recovery of territories.
He added, “And day after day, they have defended the values that unite people across both of our nations and around the world—including independence.” The new aid package includes anti-armor missiles and ammunition.
National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby emphasized the US’s dedication to supporting Ukraine, stating, “We continue to support Ukraine’s fight for their independence, and independence that they have had to defend pretty mightily here over the last two and a half years.”
Kirby indicated that the Independence Day would see a bolstering of both philosophical and tangible support, particularly through enhanced security assistance.
The new sanctions, described by Biden as “part of our enduring commitment to hold Russia accountable for its aggression,” also target several Chinese-based companies.
This move addresses concerns about Beijing’s role in supporting Russia’s war economy and its export of dual-use items.
The State Department noted its apprehension regarding China’s substantial export of dual-use goods to Russia, which support Russia’s defense production and military capabilities.
Treasury’s sanctions aim at disrupting various transnational networks involved in procuring military supplies for Russia, evading sanctions for Russian oligarchs, and laundering gold.
They also target Russian fintech firms and companies connected to Russia’s military-industrial base. Concurrently, the State Department’s sanctions address entities involved in Russia’s future energy, metals, mining production, and those supporting Russia’s military and air logistics, as well as actors involved in the attempted re-education of Ukrainian children.
This sanctions package comes as Ukraine has made significant advances into Russia’s Kursk region, reportedly capturing 93 settlements.
Kirby remarked on the situation, stating, “It’s too soon to know whether what’s going on in Kursk … the potential impact that that could have in terms of escalation, but it is something that we remain concerned about.”
