New sanctions on Russia over war in Ukraine and Navalny’s death

The European Union and the United States announced a massive sanctions package against Russia on Friday, possibly the largest joint effort since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine two years ago. This time, one of the provoking reasons is the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison.

Outside Russia, politicians and public figures internationally accuse Putin of being responsible for Navalny’s death. Joe Biden has also announced personal sanctions against the Russian President; However, this was not announced in the package, although National Security Council (NSC) adviser John Kirby assures that “this is just the beginning.”

As such, a number of sanctions have been imposed against personnel of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service, including its deputy director, who allegedly ordered more severe treatment against Navalny and who was fired by Putin just three days after the rival’s death. Was promoted by.

Ban on foreign companies that help Kremlin evade sanctions

The United States has approved the Russian Mir payment system. Most of the sanctions are aimed at weakening the Russian economy and the machinery fueling the war in Ukraine. The measure targets manufacturers of ammunition, missiles and explosives, electronics companies and diamond and oil traders.

A hundred companies face sanctions for helping the Kremlin evade previous sanctions; The majority are Russian companies, although there are also companies from China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, India and Serbia.