US imposing additional sanctions on Russia for its continued war in Ukraine

WASHINGTON, Aug 2 (KUNA) -- The United States designated additional sanctions against three Russian oligarchs, companies, and State owned properties in response to military operations in Ukraine.
A statement by Secretary Antony Blinken noted, "the United States is taking additional actions to ensure that the Kremlin and its enablers feel the compounding effects of our response to the Kremlin's unconscionable war of aggression." "The Department of State is designating Russian oligarchs, state-owned entities, and illegitimate authorities.
The Department is designating three oligarchs: Dmitry Aleksandrovich Pumpyanskiy, Andrey Igorevich Melnichenko, and Alexander Anatolevich Ponomarenko," the statement said.
"Additionally, the Department is designating Joint Stock Company State Transportation Leasing Company and four of its subsidiaries.
The Department is also designating four individuals and one entity illegitimately operating in Ukraine's territory in collaboration with Russia.
Several of these targets are designated by allies and partners, further aligning our regimes," the statement added.
"We are also imposing additional costs on Russia's war machine by designating 24 Russian defense and technology-related entities.
Our actions target some of Russia's most important defense-related research and development institutions, semiconductor producers, and advanced computing and electronics entities," said the statement.
"These actions will further isolate Russia's defense and high-technology industries and limit their contributions to Moscow's war machine.
Additionally, the Department of State is taking action to impose visa restrictions on individuals in relation to Russia's war in Ukraine.
This includes 893 Russian Federation officials, such as members of the Federation Council and military members, for threatening or violating Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence," the statement added.
"It also includes 31 foreign government officials who have acted to support Russia's purported annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine and thereby threatened or violated Ukraine's sovereignty.
Finally, Department of the Treasury is also imposing sanctions today targeting Kremlin-connected elites, a major multinational company, and a sanctions evasion operation, as well as identifying a yacht as blocked," the statement noted.
"These elites and businesses operate in economic sectors that generate substantial revenue for the Russian regime, including from sources outside of Russia.
The United States will not waver in its support for the brave people of Ukraine and will continue to promote accountability for President Putin and his cronies whose actions have caused so much suffering and destruction in Ukraine," the statement added. (end) rsr.mb