WASHINGTON: The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions against Russian oligarchs as it targeted Russia's super-rich and others close to President Vladimir Putin, further ratcheting up financial pressure over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The United States imposed full blocking sanctions on eight oligarchs and officials, including Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov, taking aim at those who have amassed fortunes and political influence through their connections to Putin.
"We want (Putin) to feel the squeeze, we want the people around him to feel the squeeze," White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters on Thursday.
The sanctions are the latest in a series announced by Washington, including against Putin and Russia's central bank, after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. Moscow calls the assault a "special operation."
Washington imposed sanctions on Usmanov, founder of Russian mining company Metalloinvest, whom the White House described as a “one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals and a close ally of Putin.”
The sanctions block his property from use in the United States and by U.S. persons, including his luxury yacht, which the White House said was seized by Germany, and his private jet.
READ MORE: Latest developments on Ukraine-Russia crisis
The U.S. Treasury Department took the rare step of including in what are normally textual news releases a pair of photos of Usmanov's super-yacht and private jet.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, whom the White House accused of being "a top purveyor of Putin's propaganda," was also targeted.
Nikolay Tokarev, chief executive of energy giant Transneft, was designated along with his wife, daughter and his two luxury real estate companies.
Billionaire brothers Boris and Arkady Rotenberg and several family members were also hit with sanctions, as was Igor Shuvalov, a Russian politician and Putin's former deputy prime minister who heads the State Development Corp.
Yevgeniy Prigozhin, previously targeted for alleged attempts to interfere in U.S. elections, was designated again. The Treasury described him as the Russian financier of the Internet Research Agency (IRA) and said his "influence apparatus is reportedly supporting Russian Government designed influence operations within Ukraine."
"Treasury is committed to holding Russian elites to account for their support of President Putin’s war of choice," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.
TARGETING DISINFORMATION
In addition to sanctions against Russian elites, the Treasury designated 26 Russia- and Ukraine-based individuals and seven Russian entities, some linked to Russian intelligence services, accused of spreading disinformation aimed at destabilizing the Ukrainian government.
The United States will also impose visa restrictions on 19 Russian oligarchs, their family members and associates, the White House said in a statement.
Thursday's action helps bring the United States in line with measures the European Union took earlier this week.
The EU on Monday imposed sanctions on 26 prominent people over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including oligarchs and business people active in the oil, banking and finance sectors. The EU measures included Peskov and Usmanov. Read full story
Britain on Thursday also imposed sanctions on Usmanov and Shuvalov.
Thursday's measures come after the U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday launched a task force known as "KleptoCapture" aimed at straining the finances of Russia's oligarchs. Read full story
The United States and its allies last week announced they would launch a task force to identify and freeze the assets of sanctioned Russian companies and oligarchs.
The State Department named the 22 Russian defense-related entities that the White House had announced on Wednesday would be hit with sanctions. The targeted firms include Kurganmashzavod, which makes infantry fighting vehicles, and Makeyev State Missile Center, which produces missiles.
Washington has repeatedly warned that it is prepared to take further measures to hold Moscow to account over its invasion of Ukraine.
In his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Joe Biden said the United States would work to seize the yachts, luxury apartments and private jets of wealthy Russians with ties to Putin.
"We are coming for your ill-begotten gains," Biden said.
U.S. prosecutors in Manhattan on Thursday charged a television producer for Konstantin Malofeyev, described as a Russian oligarch, with violating Crimea-related sanctions.
The producer, U.S. citizen John Hanick, was arrested in February in London, and the United States is seeking his extradition. Prosecutors said Hanick was charged with violating U.S. sanctions arising from Russia's 2014 invasion of the Crimean peninsula.
Reuters
Fri Mar 04 2022
![U.S. takes aim at Russian oligarchs in fresh sanctions U.S. takes aim at Russian oligarchs in fresh sanctions](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2022-03/61646360833_oligarch.jpg)
The US announced on March 3, 2022 they were imposing sanctions against Russian oligarchs, including Yevgeniy Prigozhin (seen in an FBI poster), as it targeted Russia's super-rich and others close to President Vladimir Putin - FBI/Handout via REUTERS
![Pelajar tukar kod QR curi duit tabung derma Pelajar tukar kod QR curi duit tabung derma](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/51723704365_QRCode.jpg)
Pelajar tukar kod QR curi duit tabung derma
Tindakan seorang pelajar jurusan undang-undang menukar kod QR peribadi pada tabung derma sebuah kuil akhirnya terbongkar apabila dia berjaya ditangkap polis baru-baru ini.
![Jepun tamatkan amaran gempa bumi mega Jepun tamatkan amaran gempa bumi mega](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/41723715377_TBJapan.jpg)
Jepun tamatkan amaran gempa bumi mega
Jepun pada Khamis menamatkan nasihat risiko gempa bumi dengan magnitud yang lebih tinggi daripada biasa, seminggu selepas gegaran kuat di dasar laut Palung Nankai.
Fahmi nafi arah Google nyahaktif ciri graf penukar ringgit
Menjawab tuduhan seorang pengguna X, Ahli Parlimen Lembah Pantai itu menerusi platform sama menegaskan beliau tidak pernah mengarahkan penyedia perkhidmatan itu berbuat demikian.
![Tular rakaman CCTV, suspek pecah rumah di Sentul ditahan Tular rakaman CCTV, suspek pecah rumah di Sentul ditahan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/61723715171_TBIPDSentul.jpg)
Tular rakaman CCTV, suspek pecah rumah di Sentul ditahan
Polis menahan seorang lelaki dipercayai terlibat dalam sembilan kes pecah rumah di Residensi Sky Awani 1 dan 2 di Sentul.
!['Stringer' raih banyak faedah sekiranya mencarum dengan Perkeso 'Stringer' raih banyak faedah sekiranya mencarum dengan Perkeso](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/81723710107_TBFAhmi.jpg)
'Stringer' raih banyak faedah sekiranya mencarum dengan Perkeso
Pengamal media sambilan yang mencarum dengan Perkeso akan dilindungi dan menerima banyak faedah sekiranya berlaku kemalangan ketika menjalankan tugas.
![Jemaah umrah terkandas di lapangan terbang Jeddah mahu penjelasan MAS Jemaah umrah terkandas di lapangan terbang Jeddah mahu penjelasan MAS](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/41723715159_jeddahkandasawani.jpg)
Jemaah umrah terkandas di lapangan terbang Jeddah mahu penjelasan MAS
Beberapa penumpang menunggu lebih 24 jam untuk mendapatkan penjelasan lanjut daripada pengurusan MAB namun terus hampa.
![Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri perlu tingkat kepantasan beri kelulusan untuk tarik pelabur - PM Anwar Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri perlu tingkat kepantasan beri kelulusan untuk tarik pelabur - PM Anwar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/41723712785_AnwarIbrahim.jpg)
Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri perlu tingkat kepantasan beri kelulusan untuk tarik pelabur - PM Anwar
Kerajaan Persekutuan, negeri perlu meningkatkan kepantasan dalam memberi kelulusanbagi menjadikan Malaysia tumpuan pelabur.
![Pemandu maut lori terbalik, kesesakan 2 jam di Lebuhraya PLUS Ipoh-Kuala Kangsar Pemandu maut lori terbalik, kesesakan 2 jam di Lebuhraya PLUS Ipoh-Kuala Kangsar](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/71723712690_kemalangantrelerP.jpg)
Pemandu maut lori terbalik, kesesakan 2 jam di Lebuhraya PLUS Ipoh-Kuala Kangsar
Seorang pemandu lori maut manakala kelindan cedera selepas kenderaan yang mereka naiki terbabas lalu terbalik di Kilometer 257 Lebuhraya PLUS arah utara, dekat sini, petang ini.
RADIO 360: Integrasi teknologi kumpul maklumat pendengar, data lebih komprehensif
RADIO 360 Malaysia merentasi 11 stesen radio Astro yang boleh diakses di aplikasi SYOK termasuk Era, Sinar, Gegar, Hitz, Mix, My dan Raaga.
![Tindakan Faisal Halim undang rasa sebak penyokong bola sepak Tindakan Faisal Halim undang rasa sebak penyokong bola sepak](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/71723706908_TBFaisalHalim.jpg)
Tindakan Faisal Halim undang rasa sebak penyokong bola sepak
Tindakan bintang Selangor FC, Faisal Halim yang bertemu pemain Sabah FC ketika perlawanan Liga Super minggu ke-9 mengundang rasa sebak.
![Hamas tuntut penerimaan cadangan gencatan senjata Gaza yang disokong Biden Hamas tuntut penerimaan cadangan gencatan senjata Gaza yang disokong Biden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/71723445354_Palestinians.jpg)
Hamas tuntut penerimaan cadangan gencatan senjata Gaza yang disokong Biden
Kumpulan Palestin Hamas menuntut pengantara gencatan senjata Gaza membentangkan rancangan untuk melaksanakan cadangan yang disokong Biden.
![Gencatan senjata di Gaza 'masih berpotensi' dicapai sebelum penghujung penggal - Biden Gencatan senjata di Gaza 'masih berpotensi' dicapai sebelum penghujung penggal - Biden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81722058877_JoeBiden.jpg)
Gencatan senjata di Gaza 'masih berpotensi' dicapai sebelum penghujung penggal - Biden
Biden berkata perjanjian gencatan senjata di Semenanjung Gaza masih berpotensi dicapai sebelum tamat tempoh penggal sebagai presiden.
![Pembunuhan Haniyeh tidak membantu untuk gencatan senjata Gaza - Biden Pembunuhan Haniyeh tidak membantu untuk gencatan senjata Gaza - Biden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81722058877_JoeBiden.jpg)
Pembunuhan Haniyeh tidak membantu untuk gencatan senjata Gaza - Biden
Biden juga berkata beliau telah mengadakan perbincangan "secara berterus terang" dengan Perdana Menteri Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.
![Rakyat AS ditahan di Rusia dibebas - Biden Rakyat AS ditahan di Rusia dibebas - Biden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-08/81722563226_EvanGershkovich.jpg)
Rakyat AS ditahan di Rusia dibebas - Biden
Biden sifatkan ia sebahagian daripada pertukaran tahanan timur-barat terbesar sejak berakhirnya Perang Dingin.
![Biden gesa pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung, termasuk had penggal 18 tahun Biden gesa pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung, termasuk had penggal 18 tahun](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71722288647_TheUSSupremeCou.jpg)
Biden gesa pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung, termasuk had penggal 18 tahun
Dengan menonjolkan rancangan itu, Biden menjadikan Mahkamah Agung sebagai isu utama dalam bulan-bulan terakhir perlumbaan 2024.
![Biden umum pelan pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung pada Isnin - Laporan Biden umum pelan pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung pada Isnin - Laporan](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/81722058877_JoeBiden.jpg)
Biden umum pelan pembaharuan Mahkamah Agung pada Isnin - Laporan
Presiden Amerika Syarikat Joe Biden berhasrat mengemukakan cadangan penting yang bertujuan untuk mereformasi Mahkamah Agung pada Isnin.
![Serah kepimpinan kepada generasi baharu cara terbaik satukan negara - Biden Serah kepimpinan kepada generasi baharu cara terbaik satukan negara - Biden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/41721877969_JoeBiden.jpg)
Serah kepimpinan kepada generasi baharu cara terbaik satukan negara - Biden
Biden sebelum ini menarik diri daripada pemilihan berikutan tekanan yang semakin meningkat dari kalangan Demokrat.
![Biden kembali ke Rumah Putih selepas beberapa hari pengasingan COVID-19 Biden kembali ke Rumah Putih selepas beberapa hari pengasingan COVID-19](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2023-10/71696492107_JoeBiden.jpg)
Biden kembali ke Rumah Putih selepas beberapa hari pengasingan COVID-19
Presiden Amerika Syarikat (AS) Joe Biden tiba semula di Rumah Putih pada Selasa selepas beberapa hari diasingkan akibat COVID-19 dan di tengah-tengah khabar angin mengenai kesihatannya.
![Biden pulih daripada gejala COVID-19, ujian negatif Biden pulih daripada gejala COVID-19, ujian negatif](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-07/71721785411_JoeBidenAirForce.jpg)
Biden pulih daripada gejala COVID-19, ujian negatif
Ujian antigen pantas BINAX adalah negatif, bagaimanapun, beliau akan terus dipantau untuk sebarang penyakit berulang.
![Biden akan sampaikan ucapan kepada negara pada Rabu selepas tarik diri pilihan raya presiden Biden akan sampaikan ucapan kepada negara pada Rabu selepas tarik diri pilihan raya presiden](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-03/51710975538_JoeBiden.jpg)
Biden akan sampaikan ucapan kepada negara pada Rabu selepas tarik diri pilihan raya presiden
Presiden Joe Biden berkata pada Selasa bahawa beliau akan berucap kepada negara pada Rabu selepas menarik diri daripada pilihan raya presiden Amerika Syarikat (AS).