The White House has announced plans to impose additional “major sanctions” on Russia following the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in an Arctic penal colony. The sanctions are set to be unveiled on the eve of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the forthcoming sanctions will constitute a significant package targeting various aspects of the Russian defense industrial base and revenue sources that fuel Russia’s military capabilities, aggression, and repression.
The U.S. National Security Council emphasized that while the cause of Navalny's death remains undetermined, the ultimate responsibility lies with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Treasury Department, led by Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson, is actively engaged in finalizing the details of the sanctions. Nelson is currently in Europe collaborating on the sanctions strategy ahead of the anniversary.
The Treasury Department highlighted the global coalition's efforts to disrupt Russia's military operations through unprecedented sanctions, including expanded authorities to target entities supporting Russia's war production.
Policy experts have proposed various measures to cut off Russia's financial resources, such as seizing Central Bank funds held in European institutions and reducing the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $30. Additionally, there are calls to complete the EU and G7 ban on Russian hydrocarbons.
A working paper from the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions at Stanford University advocates for intensified sanctions in Russia's energy sector to further constrain Putin's ability to project power.
