In a bold move that underscores its commitment to holding Russia accountable, the United States has unleashed a new wave of sanctions aimed at tightening the noose around Moscow’s military and economic activities. On Wednesday, the Biden administration targeted over 250 entities, including firms in China, as part of an aggressive strategy to thwart Russia’s ongoing efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury’s latest measures focus on nearly 100 critical Russian entities, including banks and companies within the energy sector, already under sanctions. This action not only complicates the potential for future relief but also escalates the risk of secondary sanctions for these organizations. A senior Treasury official noted that the sanctions are enshrined in an executive order that mandates congressional notification before any reversal, effectively making them “Trump-proofed.”
Legal experts, such as Jeremy Paner from Hughes Hubbard & Reed, emphasized the significance of these actions, stating, “You can’t just with the stroke of a pen remove what’s being done.” Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official now at Columbia University, described the sanctions as “very significant,” arguing they provide leverage for the incoming administration to negotiate with Russia.
As the transition of power looms, questions arise about how Donald Trump will approach these sanctions. Historically, Trump has maintained a friendly rapport with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he has expressed intentions to meet with him swiftly to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. When pressed about his strategy to resolve the war, Trump suggested that the onus is on Putin, hinting at a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics.
The U.S. has also targeted a sanctions evasion scheme involving actors in both Russia and China, disrupting networks that facilitate cross-border payments for sensitive goods. In a statement, the Chinese embassy in Washington firmly opposed these unilateral sanctions, asserting that economic exchanges between China and Russia should remain uninterrupted.
Further amplifying its sanctions regime, the U.S. State Department has imposed restrictions on the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, which has been under Russian control since shortly after the invasion in 2022. While Russian media reported that the sanctions would not impact its operations, the facility remains a focal point of international concern due to its critical need for external power to prevent a nuclear disaster.
With the Biden administration’s relentless imposition of sanctions following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the stakes continue to rise. The latest measures not only aim to fortify Ukraine’s position but also set the stage for the incoming administration as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.
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