Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”.

While speaking to a group of women flight attendants at an Aeroflot training centre near Moscow, the Russian president reportedly said that Ukraine’s leaders would risk the future of their nation’s statehood if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion.

“We could have taken a different course of action," he was quoted as saying.

&nbsp;"We could have helped the republics of Donbas at the contact line and reinforced them with the Russian army, but in this case, and I mean with the unwavering support from the west, we would have radicals on the other side coming endlessly… with support from the west."

“Our General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, went the other way; the first thing they did was to destroy the entire military infrastructure [of Ukraine], well, not all of it, but partially, mostly. Warehouses with weapons, ammunition, aviation, air defence systems,” he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-he-was-deceived-by-his-own-propaganda-putins-former-speechwriter-speaks-to-wion-459308">'He was deceived by his own propaganda': Putin's ex-speechwriter to WION</a>

Putin sought to justify the war in Ukraine by repeating his assertion that he was seeking to defend Russian speaking communities there through the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification” of the country.

Several western countries and multinational companies announced economic sanctions ever since Russia launched an all-out war against Ukraine 10 days ago.

&nbsp;On Saturday,&nbsp;Microsoft, Paypal, Samsung, Visa and Mastercard became the latest global brands to suspend trading there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-says-will-not-block-russian-news-on-starlink-unless-at-gunpoint-459385" hreflang="en">Elon Musk says will not block Russian news on Starlink 'unless at gunpoint'</a>

Apart from that, the western countries, including the US, UK and Germany, have frozen assets of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and several other Russian oligarchs in response to the war in Ukraine.

They have also placed sanctions on the Russian central bank&nbsp;and removed some of the country’s lenders from the Swift global payments system, in addition to other economic sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”. While speaking to a group of women flight attendants at an Aeroflot training centre near Moscow, the Russian president reportedly said that Ukraine’s leaders would risk the future of their nation’s statehood if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion. “We could have taken a different course of action," he was quoted as saying. "We could have helped the republics of Donbas at the contact line and reinforced them with the Russian army, but in this case, and I mean with the unwavering support from the west, we would have radicals on the other side coming endlessly… with support from the west." “Our General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, went the other way; the first thing they did was to destroy the entire military infrastructure [of Ukraine], well, not all of it, but partially, mostly. Warehouses with weapons, ammunition, aviation, air defence systems,” he added. Also read | 'He was deceived by his own propaganda': Putin's ex-speechwriter to WION Putin sought to justify the war in Ukraine by repeating his assertion that he was seeking to defend Russian speaking communities there through the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification” of the country. Several western countries and multinational companies announced economic sanctions ever since Russia launched an all-out war against Ukraine 10 days ago. On Saturday, Microsoft, Paypal, Samsung, Visa and Mastercard became the latest global brands to suspend trading there. Also read | Elon Musk says will not block Russian news on Starlink 'unless at gunpoint' Apart from that, the western countries, including the US, UK and Germany, have frozen assets of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and several other Russian oligarchs in response to the war in Ukraine. They have also placed sanctions on the Russian central bank and removed some of the country’s lenders from the Swift global payments system, in addition to other economic sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Putin likens sanctions on Russia to declaration of war

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent.

"The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement.

It said it was taking the emergency measure because the Russian economy's situation had "drastically changed".

The bank said that this would allow it to "support financial and price stability and protect citizens' savings from depreciation".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-flee-the-country-as-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-continues-457388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees.&nbsp;

While they hope to curb President Vladimir Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge.

Russians waited in long queues outside ATMs on Sunday, worried that new Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine will trigger cash shortages and disrupt payments.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-attack-wars-in-europe-since-fall-of-berlin-wall-457392" hreflang="en">Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall</a>

Moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT global payments system and freeze the Bank of Russia's reserves are expected to deal a severe economic blow, although Russian authorities and lenders sought to assuage fears.

While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-ruble-falls-to-117-per-us-dollar-a-decline-of-41-457280" hreflang="en">Russia's ruble falls to 117 per US dollar, a decline of 41%</a>

Sergey Aleksashenko, a former deputy chairman of the Russian central bank who now lives in the United States, said that Russia's national wealth fund would effectively disappear.

"(President Vladimir) Putin and (former Finance Minister Alexei) Kudrin built it up for years, thinking about a major war," he said. "War has come, and there is no money."

Meanwhile, rates offered for foreign exchange shot up. The rouble closed on Friday at 83 to the dollar, but some lenders were offering rates of above 100 on Sunday.

The central bank also announced a compulsory measure for companies based in Russia that earn foreign currency through exports to sell currency amounting to 80 per cent of their earnings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent. "The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement.

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent. "The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement. It said it was taking the emergency measure because the Russian economy's situation had "drastically changed". The bank said that this would allow it to "support financial and price stability and protect citizens' savings from depreciation". Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees. While they hope to curb President Vladimir Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge. Russians waited in long queues outside ATMs on Sunday, worried that new Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine will trigger cash shortages and disrupt payments. Also see | Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall Moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT global payments system and freeze the Bank of Russia's reserves are expected to deal a severe economic blow, although Russian authorities and lenders sought to assuage fears. While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia. Also read | Russia's ruble falls to 117 per US dollar, a decline of 41% Sergey Aleksashenko, a former deputy chairman of the Russian central bank who now lives in the United States, said that Russia's national wealth fund would effectively disappear. "(President Vladimir) Putin and (former Finance Minister Alexei) Kudrin built it up for years, thinking about a major war," he said. "War has come, and there is no money." Meanwhile, rates offered for foreign exchange shot up. The rouble closed on Friday at 83 to the dollar, but some lenders were offering rates of above 100 on Sunday. The central bank also announced a compulsory measure for companies based in Russia that earn foreign currency through exports to sell currency amounting to 80 per cent of their earnings. (With inputs from agencies)

Central Bank of Russia hikes key rate to 20% from 9.5% amid sanctions

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-is-the-navalny-network-an-extremist-group-389636/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Putin government has banned the nine Canadian officials from entering the country which includes the justice minister.

In March, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had slapped sanctions on Russian officials over what it said was the Russian government's repeated "unwillingness to respect the basic rights of its own people."

Trudeau had said that Putin was "responsible for all sorts of terrible things" during an interview with a local radio station.

Foreign minister Marc Garneau had said that "Russia's gross human rights violations will not go unanswered," as it targeted the senior staff in President Putin's office and defence officials with sanctions including (FSB) director Alexander Bortnikov and Igor Krasnov, the lawyer who prosecuted Navalny.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested in Russia in January as soon as he landed in the country and is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for violating parole while abroad.

Navalny was allegedly poisoned in Russia with a nerve agent&nbsp;Novichok and had to be flown to a Berlin hospital for treatment. The Russian opposition leader had blamed Putin for the poisoning incident which Kremlin has openly denied.

The Russian embassy in Ottawa had denounced the sanctions calling it a "hostile step" while asserting that "Ottawa should think about its own human rights violations including systemic violence against indigenous people".

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest.

Russia on Monday imposed sanctions against nine senior Canadian officials after the Canadian government had imposed sanctions on nine Russian officials over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's arrest. Watch: The Putin government has banned the nine Canadian officials from entering the country which includes the justice minister. In March, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had slapped sanctions on Russian officials over what it said was the Russian government's repeated "unwillingness to respect the basic rights of its own people." Trudeau had said that Putin was "responsible for all sorts of terrible things" during an interview with a local radio station. Foreign minister Marc Garneau had said that "Russia's gross human rights violations will not go unanswered," as it targeted the senior staff in President Putin's office and defence officials with sanctions including (FSB) director Alexander Bortnikov and Igor Krasnov, the lawyer who prosecuted Navalny. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested in Russia in January as soon as he landed in the country and is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year prison term for violating parole while abroad. Navalny was allegedly poisoned in Russia with a nerve agent Novichok and had to be flown to a Berlin hospital for treatment. The Russian opposition leader had blamed Putin for the poisoning incident which Kremlin has openly denied. The Russian embassy in Ottawa had denounced the sanctions calling it a "hostile step" while asserting that "Ottawa should think about its own human rights violations including systemic violence against indigenous people". (With inputs from Agencies)

Navalny row: Now, Russia imposes sanctions on Canadian officials

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-protest-navalny-aide-says-the-format-of-protest-will-change-362873/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack.

"We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom.

Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as &nbsp;EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting.

There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police.

Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia.

As the European Union considers sanctions against Russia, foreign minister Lavrov said that the country is ready to sever ties with the block. Watch: Tensions between Russia and the European Union have escalated over after Navalny's detention as he returned from Germany in last month after allegedly being poisoned in Russia. Navalny was handed a two and half year jail term by for violating probation terms while he was in Germany recovering from the poisoning attack. "We don't want to isolate ourselves from the world, but we need to be ready for that. If you want peace, prepare for war," foreign minister Lavrov said over EU's tough stance on Russia as sanctions loom. Russian foreign ministry had earlier warned EU over taking any "rash steps" asserting that new sanctions "will inevitably be followed by a proportionate response". EU foreign ministers are set to meet on February 22 to discuss the sanctions even as EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell said he will recommend sanctions during the meeting. There have been large scale protests in Russia after Navalny's arrest as Russia's foreign ministry labelled Navalny's team "traitors". In a move to quell the protests, Russian lawmakers have approved the second reading of a bill to increase fines for disobeying police. Protesters are currently fined $13.50(1,000 roubles) which is likely to rise to 4,000 rubles and reach 20,000 rubles for repeat violations under the proposed law.

'If you want peace, prepare for war': Russia ready to cut ties with EU over sanctions, asserts Lavrov

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said today that his country will develop military ties with Turkey despite US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-missiles-350017">sanctions</a>.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-says-us-sanctions-an-attack-on-ally-turkeys-rights-350311/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lavrov on Tuesday hosted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-fired-where-turkey-cleared-way-for-s-400-test-335796">Turkey's</a> foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Sochi as the two countries sought to expand cooperation in commerce, energy, culture and tourism.

"Today we'll also evaluate how we can improve our cooperation on the regional issues that you've already outlined," Turkey's foreign minister Cavusoglu said.

"We have confirmed our mutual intention to develop military ties with Turkey. We appreciate as President Putin has repeatedly stressed, the attitude of our Turkish colleagues towards further interaction in this field, despite continued illegitimate pressure from Washington."

The United States had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The United States banned all US export licenses and loan credits for Turkey's military procurement agency and disallowed its president&nbsp;to travel or hold assets in the United States under the 2017 CAATSA law.

State Department spokesperson Cale Brown said: "Sanctions imposed over the S-400 system are not intended to undermine the military capabilities or combat readiness of Turkey or any other US Ally or partner." The United States sought to ally fears that the move was not intended to weaken Turkey's military prowess as Pompeo said the "goal of the sanctions is to prevent Russia from receiving substantial revenue, access, and influence".

"Urged Turkey to resolve the S-400 issue in a manner consistent with our decades-long history of defense-sector cooperation and to re-commit itself to its NATO obligations to purchase NATO-interoperable weaponry," Pompeo said.

Erdogan denounced the US move calling it "an open attack on our sovereignty."

The United States had earlier barred Turkey from acquiring the F-35 fighter jets and disallowed it from developing its parts.

"The more Turkey grows, the more Turkey inches closer to its goals, the more it stands up for its sovereign rights, the more it is subjected to attacks," Erdogan said.

"Because we met our needs somewhere else, they pulled the sanctions trigger."

"To make our defence industry-independent, we will work twice as hard, we will accelerate our defence industry agency's projects, we will give more support to our defence-related companies," Erdogan added.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said today that his country will develop military ties with Turkey despite US sanctions. Watch: Lavrov on Tuesday hosted Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Sochi as the two countries sought to expand cooperation in commerce, energy, culture and tourism.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said today that his country will develop military ties with Turkey despite US sanctions. Watch: Lavrov on Tuesday hosted Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Sochi as the two countries sought to expand cooperation in commerce, energy, culture and tourism. "Today we'll also evaluate how we can improve our cooperation on the regional issues that you've already outlined," Turkey's foreign minister Cavusoglu said. "We have confirmed our mutual intention to develop military ties with Turkey. We appreciate as President Putin has repeatedly stressed, the attitude of our Turkish colleagues towards further interaction in this field, despite continued illegitimate pressure from Washington." The United States had imposed sanctions on Turkey for buying the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The United States banned all US export licenses and loan credits for Turkey's military procurement agency and disallowed its president to travel or hold assets in the United States under the 2017 CAATSA law. State Department spokesperson Cale Brown said: "Sanctions imposed over the S-400 system are not intended to undermine the military capabilities or combat readiness of Turkey or any other US Ally or partner." The United States sought to ally fears that the move was not intended to weaken Turkey's military prowess as Pompeo said the "goal of the sanctions is to prevent Russia from receiving substantial revenue, access, and influence". "Urged Turkey to resolve the S-400 issue in a manner consistent with our decades-long history of defense-sector cooperation and to re-commit itself to its NATO obligations to purchase NATO-interoperable weaponry," Pompeo said. Erdogan denounced the US move calling it "an open attack on our sovereignty." The United States had earlier barred Turkey from acquiring the F-35 fighter jets and disallowed it from developing its parts. "The more Turkey grows, the more Turkey inches closer to its goals, the more it stands up for its sovereign rights, the more it is subjected to attacks," Erdogan said. "Because we met our needs somewhere else, they pulled the sanctions trigger." "To make our defence industry-independent, we will work twice as hard, we will accelerate our defence industry agency's projects, we will give more support to our defence-related companies," Erdogan added.

Will continue to develop military ties with Turkey despite illegitimate pressure from US: Russia

Russian lawmakers have passed bills that could grant authorities the power to block access to YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Watch this video to know more.

Russian Parliament backs bills enabling censoring of US media

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has&nbsp;"unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-alexei-navalny-berlin-urges-eu-action-over-novichok-poisoning-325017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief urged Russia to cooperate with an international probe into Navalny's poisoning as the EU said: "use of chemical weapon is completely unacceptable under any circumstances (and) constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/head-of-world-chemical-arms-watchdog-expresses-concern-over-navalnys-poisoning-case-325029">Also Read:&nbsp;Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case</a>

"The Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," Borrell said.

Germany said Navalny was exposed to Novichok.

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Germany had not provided Russia with any proof.&nbsp;

"There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said amid threat of sanctions.

Alexei Navalny continues to be in the intensive care unit and on ventilator support after he fell ill on a plane in Siberia and had to be taken to hospital. His aides said Navalny had taken a cup of tea before taking the flight which was spiked with poison.

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has "unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned.

The European Union(EU) said on Thursday that "reserves the right to take appropriate actions, including through restrictive measures" on Russia after Germany said it has "unequivocal evidence" that Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned. Watch: Josep Borrell, EU's foreign policy chief urged Russia to cooperate with an international probe into Navalny's poisoning as the EU said: "use of chemical weapon is completely unacceptable under any circumstances (and) constitutes a serious breach of international law and international human rights standards." Also Read: Head of world chemical arms watchdog expresses 'concern' over Navalny's poisoning case "The Russian government must do its utmost to investigate this crime thoroughly in full transparency and bring those responsible to justice. Impunity must not and will not be tolerated," Borrell said. Germany said Navalny was exposed to Novichok. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Germany had not provided Russia with any proof. "There is no reason to accuse the Russian state," Peskov said amid threat of sanctions. Alexei Navalny continues to be in the intensive care unit and on ventilator support after he fell ill on a plane in Siberia and had to be taken to hospital. His aides said Navalny had taken a cup of tea before taking the flight which was spiked with poison.

EU urges Russia to cooperate in Navalny probe; threatens 'restrictive measures'

The US Treasury hit 15 members of Russia's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-indicts-russian-military-agents-in-hacking-case-169487">GRU military intelligence agency</a> with sanctions Wednesday over their alleged roles in interference in the 2016 presidential election and hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Also sanctioned were two GRU agents <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-lawmakers-son-gets-27-years-prison-in-us-hacking-case-14777?amp">who allegedly attempted to assassinate</a> Russian defector Sergei Skripal in Britain, and two individuals and three companies tied to the Russian troll farm accused of trying to manipulate US public opinion.

Separately, the Treasury said it would end sanctions on Russian aluminium giant Rusal and two related companies after blacklisted billionaire Oleg Deripaska took action to sharply cut his stake in them.

The sanctions ban Americans and companies with US arms - like many global banks - from doing business with those on the US blacklist.

The sanctions also freeze any of the targets' assets in US jurisdictions.

"The United States will continue to work with international allies and partners to take collective action to deter and defend against sustained malign activity by Russia, its proxies, and intelligence agencies," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Most of the names on the new sanctions list were GRU officers already covered by separate US blacklists and indictments.

Four were indicted in October over the cyber attacks on the global chemical weapons watchdog, the OPCW and on WADA between 2016 and 2018.

Nine were part of a group indicted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the head of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, in July.

The new sanctions came two days after two extensive reports were released detailing concerted Russian attempts to stoke US political conflict over social media by the St Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency, an operation US intelligence says was dubbed Project Lakhta.

The IRA is controlled by the Concord Group of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin

Wednesday's sanctions blacklist added Concord's accountant for Project Lakhta -- also already indicted in the United States -- and three companies the Treasury said the Concord group used to mask its operations.

The delisting of Rusal and the two other companies, En+ Group and JSC EuroSibEnergo, came as they sought to avoid being locked out of global markets due to their close association with Deripaska.

Derispaska is known to have friendly ties with Putin and had business ties with president Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has been indicted and convicted by the Mueller investigation.

"Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska will remain sanctioned, and his property will remain blocked," the Treasury said in a statement.

Deripaska was one of several oligarchs sanctioned in April 2018 in retaliation for what the Trump administration called "the Russian government's ongoing and increasingly brazen pattern of malign activity across the world," citing its interference in Syria and its seizure of Crimea.

Also in Wednesday's sanctions, Victor Boyarkin, a former GRU officer, was blacklisted over his work with Deripaska.

"Deripaska and Boyarkin were involved in providing Russian financial support to a Montenegrin political party ahead of Montenegro’s 2016 elections," the Treasury said.

The US Treasury hit 15 members of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency with sanctions Wednesday over their alleged roles in interference in the 2016 presidential election and hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency.

The US Treasury hit 15 members of Russia's GRU military intelligence agency with sanctions Wednesday over their alleged roles in interference in the 2016 presidential election and hacking the World Anti-Doping Agency. Also sanctioned were two GRU agents who allegedly attempted to assassinate Russian defector Sergei Skripal in Britain, and two individuals and three companies tied to the Russian troll farm accused of trying to manipulate US public opinion. Separately, the Treasury said it would end sanctions on Russian aluminium giant Rusal and two related companies after blacklisted billionaire Oleg Deripaska took action to sharply cut his stake in them. The sanctions ban Americans and companies with US arms - like many global banks - from doing business with those on the US blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any of the targets' assets in US jurisdictions. "The United States will continue to work with international allies and partners to take collective action to deter and defend against sustained malign activity by Russia, its proxies, and intelligence agencies," said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Most of the names on the new sanctions list were GRU officers already covered by separate US blacklists and indictments. Four were indicted in October over the cyber attacks on the global chemical weapons watchdog, the OPCW and on WADA between 2016 and 2018. Nine were part of a group indicted by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the head of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, in July. The new sanctions came two days after two extensive reports were released detailing concerted Russian attempts to stoke US political conflict over social media by the St Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency, an operation US intelligence says was dubbed Project Lakhta. The IRA is controlled by the Concord Group of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday's sanctions blacklist added Concord's accountant for Project Lakhta -- also already indicted in the United States -- and three companies the Treasury said the Concord group used to mask its operations. The delisting of Rusal and the two other companies, En+ Group and JSC EuroSibEnergo, came as they sought to avoid being locked out of global markets due to their close association with Deripaska. Derispaska is known to have friendly ties with Putin and had business ties with president Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who has been indicted and convicted by the Mueller investigation. "Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska will remain sanctioned, and his property will remain blocked," the Treasury said in a statement. Deripaska was one of several oligarchs sanctioned in April 2018 in retaliation for what the Trump administration called "the Russian government's ongoing and increasingly brazen pattern of malign activity across the world," citing its interference in Syria and its seizure of Crimea. Also in Wednesday's sanctions, Victor Boyarkin, a former GRU officer, was blacklisted over his work with Deripaska. "Deripaska and Boyarkin were involved in providing Russian financial support to a Montenegrin political party ahead of Montenegro’s 2016 elections," the Treasury said.

2016 presidential polls: US imposes fresh sanctions against Russian intelligence officers, troll farms

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-doubles-funding-to-fight-climate-change-to-200-bn-181039"> World Bank</a>'s lead economist for Russia said on Tuesday that the assumption was that sanctions against<a href="http://www.wionews.com/central-asia/russia-has-deployed-s-400-missiles-in-crimea-after-martial-law-in-ukraine-report-180077"> Russia </a>would remain the same as they are currently.

Apurva Sanghi made the remark in response to a question about the World Bank's Russia forecast for 2018-2020.

He did not offer any further details, although his colleague at a news conference in Moscow said it was not an assessment.

"It's not a judgment, it's not an assessment, it's an assumption," said Andras Horvai, country director and resident representative for Russia, Europe and Central Asia.

The World Bank's lead economist for Russia said on Tuesday that the assumption was that sanctions against Russia would remain the same as they are currently. Apurva Sanghi made the remark in response to a question about the World Bank's Russia forecast for 2018-2020.

The World Bank's lead economist for Russia said on Tuesday that the assumption was that sanctions against Russia would remain the same as they are currently. Apurva Sanghi made the remark in response to a question about the World Bank's Russia forecast for 2018-2020. He did not offer any further details, although his colleague at a news conference in Moscow said it was not an assessment. "It's not a judgment, it's not an assessment, it's an assumption," said Andras Horvai, country director and resident representative for Russia, Europe and Central Asia.

Assumption is Russia sanctions will stay the same: World Bank

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Ukrainians, a Russian officer and nine entities for Moscow`s annexation of Crimea and profiting from the occupation, the US Treasury said.

One of the entities sanctioned - the Limited Liability Company Southern Project - was linked to Bank Rossiya and Russian businessman Yuri Kovulchuk, the Treasury Department said.

Kovulchuk, whom the United States government has called "the personal banker" for senior Russian officials, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was previously sanctioned by the United States over the Crimea crisis.

"Treasury remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia`s illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea," Sigal Mandelker, Treasury`s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.

The sanctions, bought under a 2017 US&nbsp;law known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, aim to further punish Moscow for seizing control of Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula in March 2014 after Moscow-backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich fled power after months of street protests.&nbsp;

The takeover began in late February when Russian troops without insignia appeared in various parts of Crimea, mostly outside Ukrainian military bases and government buildings.

The new sanctions are unacceptable and such attempts to influence Moscow are doomed to fail, TASS news agency reported Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday.

Among those blacklisted is Andriy Sushko, an officer from Russia`s Federal Security Service. The Treasury Department said he was responsible for the abduction of a Crimean Tatar activist in 2017, who was tortured while being held.

The sanctions also target companies that the Treasury said benefited from the annexation of Crimea. Among them is the Mriya Resort and Spa, a hotel investment bankrolled by Russia`s largest bank, Sberbank, on the South Shore of Crimea in the city of Yalta, the department said.

Also blacklisted was the Ministry of State Security of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People`s Republic, the Treasury said.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Ukrainians, a Russian officer and nine entities for Moscow`s annexation of Crimea and profiting from the occupation, the US Treasury said.

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two Ukrainians, a Russian officer and nine entities for Moscow`s annexation of Crimea and profiting from the occupation, the US Treasury said. One of the entities sanctioned - the Limited Liability Company Southern Project - was linked to Bank Rossiya and Russian businessman Yuri Kovulchuk, the Treasury Department said. Kovulchuk, whom the United States government has called "the personal banker" for senior Russian officials, is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was previously sanctioned by the United States over the Crimea crisis. "Treasury remains committed to targeting Russian-backed entities that seek to profit from Russia`s illegal annexation and occupation of Crimea," Sigal Mandelker, Treasury`s under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. The sanctions, bought under a 2017 US law known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA, aim to further punish Moscow for seizing control of Ukraine`s Crimea peninsula in March 2014 after Moscow-backed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich fled power after months of street protests. The takeover began in late February when Russian troops without insignia appeared in various parts of Crimea, mostly outside Ukrainian military bases and government buildings. The new sanctions are unacceptable and such attempts to influence Moscow are doomed to fail, TASS news agency reported Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday. Among those blacklisted is Andriy Sushko, an officer from Russia`s Federal Security Service. The Treasury Department said he was responsible for the abduction of a Crimean Tatar activist in 2017, who was tortured while being held. The sanctions also target companies that the Treasury said benefited from the annexation of Crimea. Among them is the Mriya Resort and Spa, a hotel investment bankrolled by Russia`s largest bank, Sberbank, on the South Shore of Crimea in the city of Yalta, the department said. Also blacklisted was the Ministry of State Security of the self-proclaimed Luhansk People`s Republic, the Treasury said.

US imposes new sanctions on Russia for Crimea, investments

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets.

Three months after the United States declared that Russia violated a US law that seeks the elimination of chemical and biological weapons, the State Department told Congress in a legally-mandated follow-up that Moscow had not come into compliance.

"We intend to proceed in accordance with the terms of the (Chemical and Biological Weapons) Act, which directs the implementation of additional sanctions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement on Tuesday.

She said the State Department was in discussions with Congress, which has led the push to punish Russia, to determine the exact measures.

British investigators said Russian operatives on March 4 tried to kill Sergei Skripal, a former intelligence officer and double agent, and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the English city of Salisbury.

The attack involved Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The two Russians survived but a third person died after exposure.

Under the US law, the State Department must slap further sanctions three months after its initial determination unless a country proves it has reversed course on chemical and biological weapons, for example by inviting in international inspectors.

Russia has denied involvement in the Salisbury attacks and has promised reciprocal measures to all US sanctions.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned in August that any imposition of further sanctions would constitute a "declaration of economic war." 
Lawmakers across the political spectrum have urged a strong response to Russia, despite President Donald Trump's avowed affinity for his counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Representative Ed Royce, a Republican and outgoing chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Trump administration needs to act quickly on new sanctions, adding, "Hesitation only encourages more Russian aggression."

"No one should be surprised that Vladimir Putin refuses to swear off future use of weapons-grade nerve agents," Royce said in a statement.

"It is unacceptable that the administration lacks a plan -- or even a timeline -- for action on the second round of mandatory sanctions required by US law," he added.

The first round of sanctions banned exports to Russia of arms and other products with national security applications and froze any US government credit guarantees to Russia.

The sanctions announcement in August sent Russian stocks plunging and the ruble fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two years.

The drop came even though the direct effects of the initial sanctions were limited, as Russia -- the major rival to the United States as an arms exporter -- does not buy US weapons.

The State Department also made a number of exemptions in the sanctions, such as continuing military trade to allow space cooperation with Russia including commercial launches.

Russia had already been under sanctions since 2014 over its military meddling in Ukraine.

Trump has cited sanctions as proof that he is tough on Russia but has voiced misgivings about punishing Moscow and accused political enemies of waging a "witch hunt" to prove he colluded with Russia in the 2016 election.

Last month, US prosecutors also indicted seven Russian agents over hacking operations after The Netherlands said that spies had obtained access to the world's chemical weapons watchdog, which is based in The Hague.&nbsp;

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets.

The United States has that it was preparing fresh sanctions against Moscow over the attempted assassination in Britain of a former spy, after a previous round sowed chaos on Russian markets. Three months after the United States declared that Russia violated a US law that seeks the elimination of chemical and biological weapons, the State Department told Congress in a legally-mandated follow-up that Moscow had not come into compliance. "We intend to proceed in accordance with the terms of the (Chemical and Biological Weapons) Act, which directs the implementation of additional sanctions," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement on Tuesday. She said the State Department was in discussions with Congress, which has led the push to punish Russia, to determine the exact measures. British investigators said Russian operatives on March 4 tried to kill Sergei Skripal, a former intelligence officer and double agent, and his daughter Yulia Skripal in the English city of Salisbury. The attack involved Novichok, a military-grade nerve agent developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The two Russians survived but a third person died after exposure. Under the US law, the State Department must slap further sanctions three months after its initial determination unless a country proves it has reversed course on chemical and biological weapons, for example by inviting in international inspectors. Russia has denied involvement in the Salisbury attacks and has promised reciprocal measures to all US sanctions. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned in August that any imposition of further sanctions would constitute a "declaration of economic war." Lawmakers across the political spectrum have urged a strong response to Russia, despite President Donald Trump's avowed affinity for his counterpart Vladimir Putin. Representative Ed Royce, a Republican and outgoing chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Trump administration needs to act quickly on new sanctions, adding, "Hesitation only encourages more Russian aggression." "No one should be surprised that Vladimir Putin refuses to swear off future use of weapons-grade nerve agents," Royce said in a statement. "It is unacceptable that the administration lacks a plan -- or even a timeline -- for action on the second round of mandatory sanctions required by US law," he added. The first round of sanctions banned exports to Russia of arms and other products with national security applications and froze any US government credit guarantees to Russia. The sanctions announcement in August sent Russian stocks plunging and the ruble fell to its lowest level against the dollar in nearly two years. The drop came even though the direct effects of the initial sanctions were limited, as Russia -- the major rival to the United States as an arms exporter -- does not buy US weapons. The State Department also made a number of exemptions in the sanctions, such as continuing military trade to allow space cooperation with Russia including commercial launches. Russia had already been under sanctions since 2014 over its military meddling in Ukraine. Trump has cited sanctions as proof that he is tough on Russia but has voiced misgivings about punishing Moscow and accused political enemies of waging a "witch hunt" to prove he colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. Last month, US prosecutors also indicted seven Russian agents over hacking operations after The Netherlands said that spies had obtained access to the world's chemical weapons watchdog, which is based in The Hague.

US prepares more Russia sanctions over Britain nerve attack

The Trump administration said on Monday it would not immediately impose additional sanctions on Russia under a new law designed to punish Moscow&#39;s alleged meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;election, insisting the measure was already hitting Russian companies.

&quot;Today, we have informed Congress that this legislation and its implementation are deterring Russian defence sales,&quot; State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. &quot;Since the enactment of the ... the, we estimate that foreign governments have abandoned planned or announced purchases of several billion dollars in Russian defence acquisitions.&quot;

The administration faced a deadline on Monday to impose sanctions on anyone determined to conduct significant business with Russian defence and intelligence sectors, already sanctioned for their alleged role in the election.&nbsp;

But citing long time frames associated with major defence deals, Nauert said it was too soon to tell how effective the law had been, so it was better to wait to impose those sanctions.

&quot;From that perspective, if the law is working, sanctions on specific entities or individuals will not need to be imposed because the legislation is, in fact, serving as a deterrent,&quot; she said in a statement.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump&#39;s administration also did not make public reports required by Monday under the bill he reluctantly signed into law on August 2, just six months into his presidency.

The measure, known as the &quot;Countering America&#39;s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act,&quot; or CAATSA, required the administration to list &quot;oligarchs&quot; close to President Vladimir Putin&#39;s government and issue a report detailing possible consequences of penalizing Russia&#39;s sovereign debt.

Reports may stay classified&nbsp;

The administration said it would release at least some of that information to Congress, but it was not immediately clear whether it would be made public, or kept classified.&nbsp;

Trump, who said he wanted warmer ties with Russia, had opposed the legislation as it made its way through Congress last year. Monday&#39;s deadline was seen as a test of his willingness to crack down on Russia.

Members of Congress, including Democrats and some of Trump&#39;s fellow Republicans, have been clamouring for his administration to use sanctions to punish Moscow for past election interference and prevent future meddling in US&nbsp;polls.

Several congressional committees, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller, are investigating whether Russia tried to tilt last November&#39;s election in Trump&#39;s favour, using means such as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats and promoting divisive social and political messages online. Trump and the Kremlin have separately denied any collusion.&nbsp;

Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, one of the main congressional architects of the sanctions law, said he was not concerned that the administration did not announce sanctions or release all of the required reports on Monday.

&quot;This is when sanctions season begins, and so they&#39;ll be rolling them out,&quot; he told reporters.

&quot;We feel pretty good about the process,&quot; Corker said. &quot;They&#39;re rushing the information over to us today, and by the close of business, they&#39;re going to have two of the three, as I understand it. So they&#39;re taking it very seriously.&quot;&nbsp;

The administration faced a deadline on Monday to impose sanctions on anyone determined to conduct significant business with Russian defence

The Trump administration said on Monday it would not immediately impose additional sanctions on Russia under a new law designed to punish Moscow's alleged meddling in the 2016 US election, insisting the measure was already hitting Russian companies. "Today, we have informed Congress that this legislation and its implementation are deterring Russian defence sales," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "Since the enactment of the ... the, we estimate that foreign governments have abandoned planned or announced purchases of several billion dollars in Russian defence acquisitions." The administration faced a deadline on Monday to impose sanctions on anyone determined to conduct significant business with Russian defence and intelligence sectors, already sanctioned for their alleged role in the election. But citing long time frames associated with major defence deals, Nauert said it was too soon to tell how effective the law had been, so it was better to wait to impose those sanctions. "From that perspective, if the law is working, sanctions on specific entities or individuals will not need to be imposed because the legislation is, in fact, serving as a deterrent," she said in a statement. President Donald Trump's administration also did not make public reports required by Monday under the bill he reluctantly signed into law on August 2, just six months into his presidency. The measure, known as the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act," or CAATSA, required the administration to list "oligarchs" close to President Vladimir Putin's government and issue a report detailing possible consequences of penalizing Russia's sovereign debt. Reports may stay classified The administration said it would release at least some of that information to Congress, but it was not immediately clear whether it would be made public, or kept classified. Trump, who said he wanted warmer ties with Russia, had opposed the legislation as it made its way through Congress last year. Monday's deadline was seen as a test of his willingness to crack down on Russia. Members of Congress, including Democrats and some of Trump's fellow Republicans, have been clamouring for his administration to use sanctions to punish Moscow for past election interference and prevent future meddling in US polls. Several congressional committees, as well as Special Counsel Robert Mueller, are investigating whether Russia tried to tilt last November's election in Trump's favour, using means such as hacking into the emails of senior Democrats and promoting divisive social and political messages online. Trump and the Kremlin have separately denied any collusion. Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, one of the main congressional architects of the sanctions law, said he was not concerned that the administration did not announce sanctions or release all of the required reports on Monday. "This is when sanctions season begins, and so they'll be rolling them out," he told reporters. "We feel pretty good about the process," Corker said. "They're rushing the information over to us today, and by the close of business, they're going to have two of the three, as I understand it. So they're taking it very seriously."

Trump administration declines to apply new Russia sanctions, for now

US President Donald Trump reluctantly signed off on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-new-russia-sanctions-defying-trump-18282"> new sanctions against Russia </a>Wednesday, bowing to domestic pressure and putting efforts to improve ties with the Kremlin on ice.

Trump signed the legislation behind closed doors and away from the cameras, after failed efforts to scupper or water down the bill.

Trump&#39;s reluctance was on full display in an angry signing statement, in which he called the legislation &quot;significantly flawed.&quot;

&quot;In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions,&quot; he said, including curbs on the president&#39;s ability to conduct foreign policy.

The legislation -&nbsp;which also includes measures against North Korea and Iran -&nbsp;targets the Russian energy sector, giving Washington the ability to sanction companies involved in developing Russian pipelines, and placing curbs on some Russian weapons exporters.

It also notably constrains Trump&#39;s ability to waive the penalties, a statement of mistrust from the Republican controlled Congress which remains unsettled by Trump&#39;s warm words for President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin said that US President Donald Trump signing new sanctions into law &quot;doesn&#39;t change anything&quot; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-orders-us-to-cut-down-diplomatic-staff-over-sanctions-row-18352">as Moscow has already hit back at Washington over the latest moves.&nbsp;</a>

&quot;De-facto this doesn&#39;t change anything,&quot; Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies, adding that &quot;retaliatory measures have already been taken&quot;. 
 
The sanctions seek to penalize the Kremlin for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- which Trump won -- and Russia&#39;s annexation of Crimea.

Trump said he would &quot;honor&quot; some of the bill&#39;s provisions, but stopped short of saying it would be fully implemented.

The White House said only that Trump would give Congress&#39;s &quot;preferences&quot; mere &quot;careful and respectful consideration.&quot;

Trump received the legislation at 1:53 pm on Friday and waited until Wednesday to sign it.

The nearly week-long delay in signing had raised speculation that Trump might veto or try to somehow shelve the sanctions, which were approved in a 98-2 Senate vote.

By signing it, he avoided the humiliating prospect of Congress overriding his veto.&nbsp;

Expecting the signature, Moscow preemptively ordered Washington to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 persons before September 1 -- bringing it in line with the size of Russia&#39;s mission in the US.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday he will meet with his Russian opposite Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse.

&quot;The question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?&quot; Tillerson asked.

Tillerson said the US Congress&#39;s decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties &quot;more difficult.&quot;

A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign.

The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations. 
&nbsp;

Trump's reluctance was on full display in an angry signing statement, in which he called the legislation 'significantly flawed'

US President Donald Trump reluctantly signed off on new sanctions against Russia Wednesday, bowing to domestic pressure and putting efforts to improve ties with the Kremlin on ice. Trump signed the legislation behind closed doors and away from the cameras, after failed efforts to scupper or water down the bill. Trump's reluctance was on full display in an angry signing statement, in which he called the legislation "significantly flawed." "In its haste to pass this legislation, the Congress included a number of clearly unconstitutional provisions," he said, including curbs on the president's ability to conduct foreign policy. The legislation - which also includes measures against North Korea and Iran - targets the Russian energy sector, giving Washington the ability to sanction companies involved in developing Russian pipelines, and placing curbs on some Russian weapons exporters. It also notably constrains Trump's ability to waive the penalties, a statement of mistrust from the Republican controlled Congress which remains unsettled by Trump's warm words for President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin said that US President Donald Trump signing new sanctions into law "doesn't change anything" as Moscow has already hit back at Washington over the latest moves. "De-facto this doesn't change anything," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies, adding that "retaliatory measures have already been taken". The sanctions seek to penalize the Kremlin for meddling in the 2016 US presidential election -- which Trump won -- and Russia's annexation of Crimea. Trump said he would "honor" some of the bill's provisions, but stopped short of saying it would be fully implemented. The White House said only that Trump would give Congress's "preferences" mere "careful and respectful consideration." Trump received the legislation at 1:53 pm on Friday and waited until Wednesday to sign it. The nearly week-long delay in signing had raised speculation that Trump might veto or try to somehow shelve the sanctions, which were approved in a 98-2 Senate vote. By signing it, he avoided the humiliating prospect of Congress overriding his veto. Expecting the signature, Moscow preemptively ordered Washington to reduce its diplomatic presence in Russia to 455 persons before September 1 -- bringing it in line with the size of Russia's mission in the US. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday he will meet with his Russian opposite Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov over the weekend, but warned US-Russia ties could still get worse. "The question, I think, of the events of the last week or so, is it getting worse or can we maintain some level of stability in that relationship?" Tillerson asked. Tillerson said the US Congress's decision to pass the sanctions bill had made attempts to thaw ties "more difficult." A special prosecutor is investigating whether Trump advisers colluded with what US intelligence has concluded was an attempt by Russia to covertly support his 2016 campaign. The US president, who often called for warmer ties with Moscow during the White House race, has furiously denied the charge, which has further clouded relations.

Trump signs Russia sanctions bill into law, calls it 'flawed'

Russia&#39;s foreign ministry today ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic staff after the US Senate voted overwhelmingly late on Thursday to slap new sanctions on Russia even though President Trump was against the legislation. The bill also imposed sanctions against Iran and North Korea.&nbsp;

Russia ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic staff in Russia to 455 diplomats. The ministry said that this was in response to the passing of a new bill on sanctions by the Senate.&nbsp;

The US House of Representatives had earlier voted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-approves-new-russia-sanctions-defying-trump-18282">419 to 3 in the House to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine</a> and over conclusions by US intelligence agencies that it interfered in the US election. Russia, however, has consistently denied it interfered in the US election, President Trump on his part has always been adamant that his campaign never colluded with the Russians.

The US Senate voted almost unanimously 98-2 on Thursday to slap new sanctions on Russia. The vote had bipartisan support with both Republicans and Democrats voting on Russia sanctions in huge numbers.

The bill will be sent President Trump who can either sign it or veto, a move which will have huge foreign policy ramifications.

Former President Barack Obama had barred Russian diplomats access to two compounds in the US last December after US intelligence services suspected Russia meddled in the US election. In fact, Obama had taken a tough stand expelling 35 Russian diplomats for spying, a move which was heavily criticised by President Putin.

The Russian foreign ministry said: &quot;We propose to the US side to bring the number of diplomatic and technical staff&quot; working in Russia &quot;in exact accordance&quot; with the number of Russian diplomats and support staff in the United States by September 1.&quot;.

The ministry also said it would bar access to a summer house and storage facilities in Moscow used by the US embassy from August 1.

The Russian foreign ministry said the move was in response to the passing of a new bill on sanctions by the Senate

Russia's foreign ministry today ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic staff after the US Senate voted overwhelmingly late on Thursday to slap new sanctions on Russia even though President Trump was against the legislation. The bill also imposed sanctions against Iran and North Korea. Russia ordered the US to reduce its diplomatic staff in Russia to 455 diplomats. The ministry said that this was in response to the passing of a new bill on sanctions by the Senate. The US House of Representatives had earlier voted 419 to 3 in the House to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and over conclusions by US intelligence agencies that it interfered in the US election. Russia, however, has consistently denied it interfered in the US election, President Trump on his part has always been adamant that his campaign never colluded with the Russians. The US Senate voted almost unanimously 98-2 on Thursday to slap new sanctions on Russia. The vote had bipartisan support with both Republicans and Democrats voting on Russia sanctions in huge numbers. The bill will be sent President Trump who can either sign it or veto, a move which will have huge foreign policy ramifications. Former President Barack Obama had barred Russian diplomats access to two compounds in the US last December after US intelligence services suspected Russia meddled in the US election. In fact, Obama had taken a tough stand expelling 35 Russian diplomats for spying, a move which was heavily criticised by President Putin. The Russian foreign ministry said: "We propose to the US side to bring the number of diplomatic and technical staff" working in Russia "in exact accordance" with the number of Russian diplomats and support staff in the United States by September 1.". The ministry also said it would bar access to a summer house and storage facilities in Moscow used by the US embassy from August 1.

Russia orders US to cut down diplomatic staff over sanctions row

The US&nbsp;House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to slap new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, despite President Donald Trump&#39;s objections to the legislation.

The sanctions bill coincided with lawmakers taking steps to show they are willing to push hard as they investigate possible meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election and potential collusion by Republican Trump&#39;s campaign.

The Trump administration has objected to a provision that would oblige the president to obtain congressional approval before easing any sanctions on Moscow.

The Senate Judiciary Committee said on Tuesday it wanted Paul Manafort, a former campaign manager for Trump, to appear at a hearing as part of its investigation.

Also on Tuesday, Trump&#39;s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, spent three hours with the House of Representatives intelligence panel, his second straight day on Capitol Hill answering questions about his contacts with Russians during the campaign.

Moscow has denied it worked to influence the election in the Republican candidate&#39;s favor, and Trump has denied his campaign colluded.

The sanctions bill, passed 419 votes to 3 in the House, must also pass the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for Trump to sign into law or veto.

The bill, which had the support of both Republicans and Democrats in the House, aims to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and over conclusions by US&nbsp;intelligence agencies that it interfered in the US&nbsp;election.

An earlier version was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate, but there are differences between the two measures that must now be worked out.

The measure&#39;s fate in the Senate is uncertain. A spokesman for John Cornyn, the no&nbsp;2 Republican, said on Tuesday there had been no decision on when the Senate might begin to consider the House bill.

Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters on Monday there were still issues under discussion and that any announcement about a deal to move the bill forward &quot;seemed somewhat premature.&quot;

The White House has said the president had not yet decided whether he would sign the measure, which would potentially hamper Trump&#39;s hopes of pursuing improved relations with Moscow.

Rejecting the bill would carry a risk that his veto could be overridden by lawmakers.

Late on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump was still studying the bill and considering whether he would support it.

The bill has raised concerns in the European Union, where the legislation could result in fines for companies helping Russia build gas pipelines like the 9.5 billion euro ($11.1 billion) Nord Stream 2 project.

The sanctions bill coincided with lawmakers taking steps to show they are willing to push hard as they investigate possible meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election

The US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday to slap new sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea, despite President Donald Trump's objections to the legislation. The sanctions bill coincided with lawmakers taking steps to show they are willing to push hard as they investigate possible meddling by Russia in the 2016 presidential election and potential collusion by Republican Trump's campaign. The Trump administration has objected to a provision that would oblige the president to obtain congressional approval before easing any sanctions on Moscow. The Senate Judiciary Committee said on Tuesday it wanted Paul Manafort, a former campaign manager for Trump, to appear at a hearing as part of its investigation. Also on Tuesday, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, spent three hours with the House of Representatives intelligence panel, his second straight day on Capitol Hill answering questions about his contacts with Russians during the campaign. Moscow has denied it worked to influence the election in the Republican candidate's favor, and Trump has denied his campaign colluded. The sanctions bill, passed 419 votes to 3 in the House, must also pass the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for Trump to sign into law or veto. The bill, which had the support of both Republicans and Democrats in the House, aims to punish Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine and over conclusions by US intelligence agencies that it interfered in the US election. An earlier version was passed overwhelmingly by the Senate, but there are differences between the two measures that must now be worked out. The measure's fate in the Senate is uncertain. A spokesman for John Cornyn, the no 2 Republican, said on Tuesday there had been no decision on when the Senate might begin to consider the House bill. Republican Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters on Monday there were still issues under discussion and that any announcement about a deal to move the bill forward "seemed somewhat premature." The White House has said the president had not yet decided whether he would sign the measure, which would potentially hamper Trump's hopes of pursuing improved relations with Moscow. Rejecting the bill would carry a risk that his veto could be overridden by lawmakers. Late on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump was still studying the bill and considering whether he would support it. The bill has raised concerns in the European Union, where the legislation could result in fines for companies helping Russia build gas pipelines like the 9.5 billion euro ($11.1 billion) Nord Stream 2 project.

US House approves new Russia sanctions, defying Trump

The US Senate voted nearly unanimously on Thursday for legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia, and to force President Donald Trump to get Congress&#39; approval before easing any existing sanctions on Russia.

In a move that could complicate US President Donald Trump&#39;s desire for warmer relations with Moscow, the Senate backed the measure by 98-2. Republican Senator Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, were the only two &quot;no&quot; votes.

The measure is intended to punish Russia for meddling in the 2016 US election, annexation of Ukraine&#39;s Crimea region and support for Syria&#39;s government in the six-year-long civil war.

If passed, it would put into law sanctions previously established via former President Barack Obama&#39;s executive orders, including some on Russian energy projects. It allows new sanctions on Russian mining, metals, shipping and railways and targets Russians guilty of conducting cyber attacks or supplying weapons to Syria&#39;s government.

&quot;The legislation sends a very, very strong signal to Russia, the nefarious activities they&#39;ve been involved in,&quot; Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said as lawmakers debated the measure.

If the measure became law, it could complicate relations with some countries in Europe. Germany and Austria said the new punitive measures could expose European companies involved in projects in Russia to fines.

The legislation sets up a review process that would require Trump to get Congress&#39; approval before taking any action to ease, suspend or lift any sanctions on Russia.

Trump was especially effusive about Russian president Vladimir Putin during the 2016 US&nbsp;election campaign, though his openness to closer ties to Moscow has tempered somewhat, with his administration on the defensive over investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election.

Putin dismissed the proposed sanctions, saying they reflected an internal political struggle in the United States, and that Washington&#39;s policy of imposing sanctions on Moscow had always been to try to contain Russia.

The bill also includes new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile programme and other activities not related to the international nuclear agreement reached with the United States and other world powers.

To become law, the legislation must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Trump. House aides said they expected the chamber would begin to debate the measure in coming weeks. They could not predict when it might face a final vote.

Secretary of state Rex Tillerson had questioned the legislation on Wednesday, urging Congress to ensure that any legislation &quot;allows the president to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation&quot;.

However, aides in both chambers said they expected support for the bill would be strong enough to override a Trump veto if necessary.

Previously, US&nbsp;energy sanctions had only targeted Russia&#39;s future high-tech energy projects, such as drilling for oil in the Arctic, fracking and offshore drilling. They blocked US&nbsp;companies such as Exxon Mobil, where Tillerson was chairman, from investing in such projects.

The new bill would slap sanctions on companies in other countries looking to invest in those projects in the absence of US&nbsp;companies, a practice known as backfilling.

Also included for the first time are discretionary measures the Trump administration could impose on investments by companies in Western countries on Russia energy export pipelines to Europe.

Lawmakers also voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to add provisions to the bill allowing the US&nbsp;space agency NASA to continue using Russian-made rocket engines and reaffirming the US&nbsp;commitment to the NATO alliance.

The measure is intended to punish Russia for meddling in the 2016 US election, annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and support for Syria's government in the six-year-long civil war

The US Senate voted nearly unanimously on Thursday for legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia, and to force President Donald Trump to get Congress' approval before easing any existing sanctions on Russia. In a move that could complicate US President Donald Trump's desire for warmer relations with Moscow, the Senate backed the measure by 98-2. Republican Senator Rand Paul and Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, were the only two "no" votes. The measure is intended to punish Russia for meddling in the 2016 US election, annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and support for Syria's government in the six-year-long civil war. If passed, it would put into law sanctions previously established via former President Barack Obama's executive orders, including some on Russian energy projects. It allows new sanctions on Russian mining, metals, shipping and railways and targets Russians guilty of conducting cyber attacks or supplying weapons to Syria's government. "The legislation sends a very, very strong signal to Russia, the nefarious activities they've been involved in," Senator Bob Corker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said as lawmakers debated the measure. If the measure became law, it could complicate relations with some countries in Europe. Germany and Austria said the new punitive measures could expose European companies involved in projects in Russia to fines. The legislation sets up a review process that would require Trump to get Congress' approval before taking any action to ease, suspend or lift any sanctions on Russia. Trump was especially effusive about Russian president Vladimir Putin during the 2016 US election campaign, though his openness to closer ties to Moscow has tempered somewhat, with his administration on the defensive over investigations into alleged Russian meddling in the election. Putin dismissed the proposed sanctions, saying they reflected an internal political struggle in the United States, and that Washington's policy of imposing sanctions on Moscow had always been to try to contain Russia. The bill also includes new sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile programme and other activities not related to the international nuclear agreement reached with the United States and other world powers. To become law, the legislation must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Trump. House aides said they expected the chamber would begin to debate the measure in coming weeks. They could not predict when it might face a final vote. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson had questioned the legislation on Wednesday, urging Congress to ensure that any legislation "allows the president to have the flexibility to adjust sanctions to meet the needs of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation". However, aides in both chambers said they expected support for the bill would be strong enough to override a Trump veto if necessary. Previously, US energy sanctions had only targeted Russia's future high-tech energy projects, such as drilling for oil in the Arctic, fracking and offshore drilling. They blocked US companies such as Exxon Mobil, where Tillerson was chairman, from investing in such projects. The new bill would slap sanctions on companies in other countries looking to invest in those projects in the absence of US companies, a practice known as backfilling. Also included for the first time are discretionary measures the Trump administration could impose on investments by companies in Western countries on Russia energy export pipelines to Europe. Lawmakers also voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to add provisions to the bill allowing the US space agency NASA to continue using Russian-made rocket engines and reaffirming the US commitment to the NATO alliance.

US Senate votes near unanimously for Russia, Iran sanctions

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump knew for weeks that national security adviser Michael Flynn had misled the White House about his contacts with Russia but did not immediately force him out, an administration spokesman said on Tuesday.

Trump was informed in late January that Flynn had not told vice president Mike Pence the whole truth about conversations he had before Trump took office with Russia&#39;s ambassador to the United States, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

Pence learnt of the &quot;incomplete information&quot; that he received from Flynn when news reports surfaced late last week, spokesman Mark Lotter said on Tuesday.

Flynn quit on Monday after Trump asked for his resignation, and the president hopes to pick a new national security adviser by the end of the week, Spicer said.

The departure was another disruption for an administration already repeatedly distracted by miscues and internal dramas since the Republican businessman assumed the presidency on Jan&nbsp;20.

US&nbsp;lawmakers, including some leading Republicans, called for a deeper inquiry into not just Flynn&#39;s actions but broader White House ties to Russia. Trump has long said that he would like improved relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Trump only moved against Flynn because of news media attention, not concern about any wrongdoing.

&quot;The reason they lost faith or trust in General Flynn only last night when they knew for weeks that he had been lying was that it became public,&quot; Schiff told MSNBC.

A timeline of events outlined by Spicer and a US&nbsp;official showed that Trump had known for weeks about Flynn misleading the vice president.

Trump, a former reality TV star whose catchphrase was &quot;You&#39;re fired!&quot; has often boasted of his eagerness to get rid of subordinates. He was not quick to fire Flynn, a strong advocate of better relations with Russia and a hard line against Islamist militants.

The Justice Department warned the White House in late January that Flynn had misled Pence by denying to him that he had discussed US&nbsp;sanctions on Russia with Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, a potentially illegal act, a US&nbsp;official said.

Flynn did talk about sanctions with the diplomat, whose calls were recorded by US&nbsp;intelligence officials, the official said. But Pence went on television in mid-January and denied that Flynn had discussed sanctions.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed Flynn in his early days as Trump&#39;s national security adviser regarding his conversations with the Russian ambassador, a White House official confirmed.

Spicer stressed that the administration believed there was no legal problem with Flynn&#39;s conversations with Kislyak, but rather an issue over the president&#39;s trust in his adviser.

The turning point, Spicer said, was a Washington Post story published on Thursday in which Flynn, through a spokesman, said for the first time he could not say with 100 percent certainty that he had not discussed sanctions with Kislyak.

Spicer said the Justice Department sought to notify the White House counsel on Jan&nbsp;26 about the discrepancies in Flynn&#39;s accounts.

&quot;The White House counsel informed the president immediately. The president asked them to commit a review of whether there was a legal situation there,&quot; Spicer told reporters, saying it was a &quot;trust issue.&quot;

Flynn&#39;s conversations with the ambassador took place around the time that then-President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia, charging that Moscow had used cyber attacks to try to influence the 2016 presidential election in Trump&#39;s favour.

A US&nbsp;official familiar with the transcripts of the calls with the ambassador said Flynn indicated that if Russia did not retaliate in kind for Obama&#39;s Dec&nbsp;29 order expelling 35 Russian suspected spies and sanctioning Russian spy agencies, that could smooth the way towards a broader discussion of improving US-Russian relations once Trump took power.

(Reuters)

Trump was informed in late January about Flynn's phone call issues, but did not immediately force him out, an administration spokesman said

US President Donald Trump knew for weeks that national security adviser Michael Flynn had misled the White House about his contacts with Russia but did not immediately force him out, an administration spokesman said on Tuesday. Trump was informed in late January that Flynn had not told vice president Mike Pence the whole truth about conversations he had before Trump took office with Russia's ambassador to the United States, White House spokesman Sean Spicer said. Pence learnt of the "incomplete information" that he received from Flynn when news reports surfaced late last week, spokesman Mark Lotter said on Tuesday. Flynn quit on Monday after Trump asked for his resignation, and the president hopes to pick a new national security adviser by the end of the week, Spicer said. The departure was another disruption for an administration already repeatedly distracted by miscues and internal dramas since the Republican businessman assumed the presidency on Jan 20. US lawmakers, including some leading Republicans, called for a deeper inquiry into not just Flynn's actions but broader White House ties to Russia. Trump has long said that he would like improved relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, said Trump only moved against Flynn because of news media attention, not concern about any wrongdoing. "The reason they lost faith or trust in General Flynn only last night when they knew for weeks that he had been lying was that it became public," Schiff told MSNBC. A timeline of events outlined by Spicer and a US official showed that Trump had known for weeks about Flynn misleading the vice president. Trump, a former reality TV star whose catchphrase was "You're fired!" has often boasted of his eagerness to get rid of subordinates. He was not quick to fire Flynn, a strong advocate of better relations with Russia and a hard line against Islamist militants. The Justice Department warned the White House in late January that Flynn had misled Pence by denying to him that he had discussed US sanctions on Russia with Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, a potentially illegal act, a US official said. Flynn did talk about sanctions with the diplomat, whose calls were recorded by US intelligence officials, the official said. But Pence went on television in mid-January and denied that Flynn had discussed sanctions. The Federal Bureau of Investigation interviewed Flynn in his early days as Trump's national security adviser regarding his conversations with the Russian ambassador, a White House official confirmed. Spicer stressed that the administration believed there was no legal problem with Flynn's conversations with Kislyak, but rather an issue over the president's trust in his adviser. The turning point, Spicer said, was a Washington Post story published on Thursday in which Flynn, through a spokesman, said for the first time he could not say with 100 percent certainty that he had not discussed sanctions with Kislyak. Spicer said the Justice Department sought to notify the White House counsel on Jan 26 about the discrepancies in Flynn's accounts. "The White House counsel informed the president immediately. The president asked them to commit a review of whether there was a legal situation there," Spicer told reporters, saying it was a "trust issue." Flynn's conversations with the ambassador took place around the time that then-President Barack Obama imposed sanctions on Russia, charging that Moscow had used cyber attacks to try to influence the 2016 presidential election in Trump's favour. A US official familiar with the transcripts of the calls with the ambassador said Flynn indicated that if Russia did not retaliate in kind for Obama's Dec 29 order expelling 35 Russian suspected spies and sanctioning Russian spy agencies, that could smooth the way towards a broader discussion of improving US-Russian relations once Trump took power. (Reuters)

Trump knew for weeks Flynn was being misleading over Russia: White House

The US Treasury tweaked its sweeping sanctions on Russia&#39;s FSB intelligence agency Thursday to make sure US traders in Russia can obtain FSB-required import permits for certain US technology goods.

The White House quickly denied reports that the move constituted an &quot;easing&quot; of pressure on Russia by the new administration of President Donald Trump.

&quot;I haven&#39;t eased anything,&quot; Trump said during a meeting with executives of motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson.

The previous Barack Obama administration slapped a total ban on Americans&#39; transactions with the FSB on December 29 in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the US elections.

The Treasury ruled Thursday, however, that US importers in Russia who are required to obtain FSB permissions for certain imports for sale to Russian entities -- not to the FSB -- would be able to do so.&nbsp;

Specifically they are allowed to pay the FSB up to $5,000 a year in fees for the permissions.

The ruling does not in itself permit any specific sales of US goods to Russia; certain technology goods are already tightly restricted under US rules.

Doug Jacobson of Washington trade law office Jacobson Burton Kelly PLLC called the move &quot;a very minor issue&quot;.

It &quot;allows US companies to obtain licenses and approvals from FSB to import certain software and IT equipment containing encryption into Russia,&quot; he said on Twitter.

&quot;This does not permit sales to FSB. Only allows US persons to deal with FSB to obtain permits to import such items into Russia.&quot;

The Trump administration has been expected to attempt to reset relations with Russia after they sank to the lowest level in decades under Obama, in part due to Moscow&#39;s support for embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russia&#39;s 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine&#39;s Crimea region.

In December, Obama expelled what the White House called 35 Russian &quot;intelligence operatives&quot; and placed the FSB and other Russian agencies and individuals on its sanctions blacklist after US intelligence agencies said that President Vladimir Putin personally directed an effort to interfere with the US presidential election via computer hacking and disinformation campaigns.

(AFP)

The White House quickly denied reports that the move constituted an 'easing' of pressure on Russia

The US Treasury tweaked its sweeping sanctions on Russia's FSB intelligence agency Thursday to make sure US traders in Russia can obtain FSB-required import permits for certain US technology goods. The White House quickly denied reports that the move constituted an "easing" of pressure on Russia by the new administration of President Donald Trump. "I haven't eased anything," Trump said during a meeting with executives of motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson. The previous Barack Obama administration slapped a total ban on Americans' transactions with the FSB on December 29 in retaliation for alleged Russian interference in the US elections. The Treasury ruled Thursday, however, that US importers in Russia who are required to obtain FSB permissions for certain imports for sale to Russian entities -- not to the FSB -- would be able to do so. Specifically they are allowed to pay the FSB up to $5,000 a year in fees for the permissions. The ruling does not in itself permit any specific sales of US goods to Russia; certain technology goods are already tightly restricted under US rules. Doug Jacobson of Washington trade law office Jacobson Burton Kelly PLLC called the move "a very minor issue". It "allows US companies to obtain licenses and approvals from FSB to import certain software and IT equipment containing encryption into Russia," he said on Twitter. "This does not permit sales to FSB. Only allows US persons to deal with FSB to obtain permits to import such items into Russia." The Trump administration has been expected to attempt to reset relations with Russia after they sank to the lowest level in decades under Obama, in part due to Moscow's support for embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russia's 2014 invasion and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. In December, Obama expelled what the White House called 35 Russian "intelligence operatives" and placed the FSB and other Russian agencies and individuals on its sanctions blacklist after US intelligence agencies said that President Vladimir Putin personally directed an effort to interfere with the US presidential election via computer hacking and disinformation campaigns. (AFP)

US eases sanctions on Russian spy agency FSB

A top aide to President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday that the White House may have disproportionately punished Russia by ordering the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies.

Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on ABC&#39;s &quot;This Week&quot; that Trump will be asking questions of US&nbsp;intelligence agencies after President Barack Obama imposed sanctions last week on two Russian intelligence agencies over what he said was their involvement in hacking political groups in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election. Obama also ordered Russia to vacate two U.S. facilities as part of the tough sanctions on Russia.

&quot;One of the questions that we have is why the magnitude of this? I mean you look at 35 people being expelled, two sites being closed down, the question is, is that response in proportion to the actions taken? Maybe it was; maybe it wasn&#39;t but you have to think about that,&quot; Spicer said.

Trump is to have briefings with intelligence agencies this week after he returns to New York on Sunday.

On Saturday, Trump expressed continued skepticism over whether Russia was responsible for computer hacks of Democratic Party officials.

&quot;I think it&#39;s unfair if we don&#39;t know. It could be somebody else. I also know things that other people don&#39;t know so we cannot be sure,&quot; Trump said.

He said he would disclose some information on the issue on Tuesday or Wednesday, without elaborating. It is unclear if, upon taking office on Jan. 20, he would seek to roll back Obama&#39;s actions, which mark a post-Cold War low in US-Russian ties.

Spicer said that after China in 2015 seized records of US&nbsp;government employees &quot;no action publicly was taken. Nothing, nothing was taken when millions of people had their private information, including information on security clearances that was shared. Not one thing happened.&quot;

&quot;So there is a question about whether there&#39;s a political retribution here versus a diplomatic response,&quot; he added.

Pressure in congress

US&nbsp;intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks into Democratic Party organizations and operatives before the presidential election. Moscow denies this. US&nbsp;intelligence officials say the Russian cyber attacks aimed to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Republican John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on foreign cyber threats and has said that Russia must be made to pay the price for attacks &quot;on our very fundamentals of democracy.

The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said on the same ABC program that Congress would push for an even harsher reprisal against Russia and warned Trump against undoing Obama&rsquo;s sanctions.

&quot;We think that more has to be done. We don&#39;t think that frankly the steps that have been taken are enough of a deterrent,&quot; said Representative Adam Schiff, a California Democrat. &ldquo;And you&#39;re going to see bipartisan support in Congress for stronger sanctions against Russia.&quot;

Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, said on &quot;Fox News Sunday&quot; that Obama&#39;s sanctions were not enough.

Russian President Vladimir Putin decided not to expel anyone in retaliation, saying he would consider the actions of Trump when deciding on further steps. Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin, said the Russian leader was &quot;very smart&quot; for holding back.

Russian diplomats who were expelled by Obama left Washington on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, citing Russia&#39;s embassy.

(Reuters)

Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on ABC's 'This Week' that Trump will be asking questions of US?intelligence agencies

A top aide to President-elect Donald Trump said in an interview aired on Sunday that the White House may have disproportionately punished Russia by ordering the expulsion of 35 suspected Russian spies. Incoming White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on ABC's "This Week" that Trump will be asking questions of US intelligence agencies after President Barack Obama imposed sanctions last week on two Russian intelligence agencies over what he said was their involvement in hacking political groups in the 2016 US presidential election. Obama also ordered Russia to vacate two U.S. facilities as part of the tough sanctions on Russia. "One of the questions that we have is why the magnitude of this? I mean you look at 35 people being expelled, two sites being closed down, the question is, is that response in proportion to the actions taken? Maybe it was; maybe it wasn't but you have to think about that," Spicer said. Trump is to have briefings with intelligence agencies this week after he returns to New York on Sunday. On Saturday, Trump expressed continued skepticism over whether Russia was responsible for computer hacks of Democratic Party officials. "I think it's unfair if we don't know. It could be somebody else. I also know things that other people don't know so we cannot be sure," Trump said. He said he would disclose some information on the issue on Tuesday or Wednesday, without elaborating. It is unclear if, upon taking office on Jan. 20, he would seek to roll back Obama's actions, which mark a post-Cold War low in US-Russian ties. Spicer said that after China in 2015 seized records of US government employees "no action publicly was taken. Nothing, nothing was taken when millions of people had their private information, including information on security clearances that was shared. Not one thing happened." "So there is a question about whether there's a political retribution here versus a diplomatic response," he added. Pressure in congress US intelligence agencies say Russia was behind hacks into Democratic Party organizations and operatives before the presidential election. Moscow denies this. US intelligence officials say the Russian cyber attacks aimed to help Trump defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton. Republican John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has scheduled a hearing for Thursday on foreign cyber threats and has said that Russia must be made to pay the price for attacks "on our very fundamentals of democracy. The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said on the same ABC program that Congress would push for an even harsher reprisal against Russia and warned Trump against undoing Obama’s sanctions. "We think that more has to be done. We don't think that frankly the steps that have been taken are enough of a deterrent," said Representative Adam Schiff, a California Democrat. “And you're going to see bipartisan support in Congress for stronger sanctions against Russia." Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, said on "Fox News Sunday" that Obama's sanctions were not enough. Russian President Vladimir Putin decided not to expel anyone in retaliation, saying he would consider the actions of Trump when deciding on further steps. Trump, who has repeatedly praised Putin, said the Russian leader was "very smart" for holding back. Russian diplomats who were expelled by Obama left Washington on Sunday, Russian news agencies reported, citing Russia's embassy. (Reuters)

Trump aide says US sanctions on Russia may be disproportionate