US set to sanction more Russian oligarchs: report

U.S. officials are preparing to expand sanctions against Russian oligarchs in efforts to ramp up pressure on Russia as its invasion of Ukraine enters its second week. 

The Washington Post and Reuters reported that the new list could include a number of officials and oligarchs sanctioned by the European Union on Monday. 

Among the oligarchs expected to be on the expanded list is iron and steel magnate Alisher Usmanov. Others on the E.U. sanctions list who are yet to be hit by the U.S. include Nikolay Tokarev, the head  energy giant Transneft and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Sources told Reuters on Wednesday that the latest sanctions could be announced this week. 

The Post reported that, unlike the EU sanctions, the US measures will also target families and companies owned by targeted individuals. 

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasure announced increased measures Wednesday to aggressively go after sanctioned Russians with assets in the country. 

In a statement, Treasury said it will issue new guidance to cut off avenues Russian officials are using to avoid sanctions. 

“Today’s guidance makes clear that such actions on behalf of Russia’s Central Bank are prohibited, closing off attempts to access the U.S. financial system,” the department said. 

DOJ announced the creation of “KleptoCapture” task force to "seize the assets of individuals and entities who violate these sanctions.” 

Read More : https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/596661-us-set-to-sanction-more-russian-oligarchs-report