Biden announces over 500 new sanctions against Russia over Ukraine war, death of Navalny

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - US President Joe Biden on Friday announced more than 500 new sanctions against Russia over the two-year war in Ukraine and last week’s death of opposition figure Alexey Navalny.

"If Putin does not pay the price for his death and destruction, he will keep going. And the costs to the United States – along with our NATO Allies and partners in Europe and around the world – will rise," said Biden in a statement.

Biden said the sanctions will target individuals linked to Navalny’s imprisonment before his death as well as Russia’s financial sector, defense industrial base, procurement networks, and sanctions evaders across multiple continents.

"They will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home," said Biden.

He said the US is also imposing new export restrictions on nearly 100 entities for "providing backdoor support for Russia’s war machine."

"We are taking action to further reduce Russia’s energy revenues. And I’ve directed my team to strengthen support for civil society, independent media, and those who fight for democracy around the world," he said.

The president also said Ukraine is running out of ammunition and urged the House of Representatives to pass funding for Ukraine in its battle against Russia.

"Ukraine needs more supplies from the United States to hold the line against Russia’s relentless attacks, which are enabled by arms and ammunition from Iran and North Korea," he said. "That’s why the House of Representatives must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill, before it’s too late."

"History is watching. The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten," he added.

After multiple fits and starts, on Feb. 13 the Senate passed a bill with military aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to bring it to the floor for a vote.