Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has dismissed the latest round of US sanctions against Russia as 'balderdash.' The sanctions, imposed by the United States in response to Russia's alleged interference in the 2020 presidential election and the SolarWinds cyberattack, target several Russian individuals and entities, including Deripaska.
Deripaska, who has been a prominent figure in Russian business and politics, expressed his frustration with the sanctions, calling them 'groundless' and 'unfair.' He argued that the measures were politically motivated and aimed at undermining Russia's economy.
The US Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Friday, citing Deripaska's alleged involvement in 'malign activities' that pose a threat to US national security. The measures include freezing Deripaska's assets in the US and prohibiting American individuals and entities from doing business with him.
This is not the first time Deripaska has been targeted by US sanctions. In 2018, he was hit with sanctions over his alleged ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his role in Russia's annexation of Crimea. The sanctions were later lifted in 2019 after Deripaska reduced his ownership stake in the Russian aluminum giant Rusal.
Deripaska's response to the latest sanctions reflects the ongoing tensions between the US and Russia, which have escalated in recent years over issues ranging from election interference to human rights abuses. The Biden administration has vowed to take a tough stance on Russia, signaling that more sanctions could be on the horizon.
Despite Deripaska's dismissal of the sanctions as 'balderdash,' the measures are likely to have a significant impact on his business interests and financial dealings. The full extent of the sanctions' effects remains to be seen, but they are expected to further strain US-Russia relations and add to the existing geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
