By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - The US State and Treasury departments announced further sanctions Thursday on more than 150 individuals and entities in connection with Russia’s war in Ukraine.
"As part of today’s action, the U.S. government is targeting individuals and entities engaged in sanctions evasion and circumvention, those complicit in furthering Russia’s ability to wage its war against Ukraine, and those responsible for bolstering Russia’s future energy production," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
Blinken said his agency also sanctioned more than 70 entities and individuals involved in expanding Russia’s energy production and export capacity, operating in Russia’s metals and mining sectors, and aiding Russian individuals and entities in evading international sanctions.
The agency designated numerous entities producing and repairing Russian weapon systems, including the Kalibr cruise missile used by Russian forces against cities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, and an individual affiliated with the Wagner Group involved in the shipment of munitions from North Korea to Russia, said the top diplomat.
Treasury head Janet Yellen said the measures target Russia's military supply chains and deprive President Vladimir Putin of "equipment, technology, and services to wage his barbaric war on Ukraine."
"We have also made clear that those individuals and entities who profit from invasion and their proximity to the Kremlin will be held accountable, and today’s actions show our global reach in imposing severe costs on Putin’s oligarchs," she said.