The United States officially introduced new sanctions targeting hundreds of Russian individuals and entities on Friday, marking the second anniversary of the "unprovoked" war against Ukraine and in response to the death of Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in the statement.
"This solemn anniversary and Aleksey Navalny’s death in Russian custody are stark and tragic reminders of Putin’s brazen disregard for human life," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in the statement. Following the unexpected passing of the 47-year-old politician, Washington decided to designate three Russian government officials over his death.
In addition, the United States sanctioned the Mir National Payment System and over a dozen Russian banks, including the SPB Bank, and investment firms, for their involvement in the financial services sector of the Russian economy. Washington also added restrictions against China-based entities that are believed to have evaded sanctions.
