U.S. preparing sanctions on pro-Russian agents in Ukraine - WSJ

19.01.2022 09:29

Ukrinform

The United States is preparing financial sanctions on pro-Russian agents in Ukraine as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels to Europe for meetings in Kyiv and Berlin to show the support of European allies amid Russian aggression.

That's according to an article published in The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, January 18, Ukrinform reports.

"The pending sanctions, which will freeze the assets of at least four individuals, could be announced as early as Thursday," the media outlet said, citing sources in the U.S. administration.

The restrictions could be imposed under an executive order signed by President Joe Biden last April that aim to punish individuals associated with Russia's foreign aggression.

"We have been taking every effort to bring to light pro-Kremlin disinformation efforts and undermine Russia's ongoing destabilization efforts in Ukraine," a U.S. official said was quoted as saying.

According to him, "Russia is laying the groundwork to have the option of fabricating a pretext for invasion, including through sabotage activities and information and influence operations."

The State Department and Treasury Department declined to comment.