China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). 
 
The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. 
 
"China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. 
 
Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-metoo-journalist-and-labour-rights-activists-secret-trial-begins-in-guangzhou-638615">China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou</a>

The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May.

<h2>China's comprehensive strategic partnership</h2>

In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. 
 
This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". 
 
Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. 
 
The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years.

WATCH |&nbsp;China working on its own maritime spy project

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Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. 
 
"China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. 
 
"(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said.

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China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22).

China's President Xi Jinping appealed to the West to lift sanctions imposed by them on Syria and offered help to the war-ravaged country, when the Chinese president held rare talks with Syria's leader Bashar al-Assad on Friday (September 22). The meeting of the two leaders in the Chinese city of Hangzhou gave a boost to the campaign of Assad to come back to the global stage while permitting China to advance its strategic interests in the Middle East, where the country is already aligned with Saudi Arabia and Iran. "China opposes interference by external forces in Syria's internal affairs... and urges all relevant countries to lift illegal unilateral sanctions against Syria," stated a readout of the talks which was published by Chinese state media. Assad was also informed by Xi that China will extend help to Syria in countering domestic unrest and rebuilding its ruined economy and even by upgrading ties to a "strategic partnership". ALSO READ | China: Secret trials of #MeToo journalist and labour rights activist begin in Guangzhou The endorsement of Xi should strengthen the efforts of Assad to plot a way back from what can be called a pariah status. In 2022, Syria joined China's Belt and Road Initiative and the Arab League welcomed it back in May. China's comprehensive strategic partnership In the diplomatic language of China, a "strategic partnership" implies closer co-ordination on international and regional affairs, which includes the military sphere. This is one grade below what China calls a "comprehensive strategic partnership". Since the civil war started in 2011 with a crackdown on protests, killing of hundreds of people and displacement of millions, western sanctions have been steadily tightened on Syria. The government of Assad, supported by Iran and Russia, now controls most of the territory of Syria and has re-established ties with Arab neighbours, which once supported his opponents, in recent years. WATCH | China working on its own maritime spy project Syria is in desperate need of foreign investment for its industry and infrastructure. Its dire economic situation has led to protests in southern Syria in which people appealed for the removal of the president. "China is reinforcing its message that it is there to try and help countries resolve their disputes and that peace stems from economic development," stated Matteo Legrenzi, professor of international relations at Ca'Foscari, University of Venice. "(China) is trying to perform a useful role from a distance. As they did with the Iran-Saudi Arabia rapprochement deal," he further said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China's Xi holds rare talks with Syria's Assad, appeals West to lift sanctions against latter

The chip breakthrough revealed by the Huawei teardown strikes at US sanctions. The latest smartphone from Huawei Technologies Co. and China's largest chipmaker is powered by a cutting-edge 7-nanometer CPU, a sign that Beijing is gaining headway in a national campaign to evade US efforts to restrain its rise.

China's semiconductor win, chip breakthrough a big blow to US sanctions

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Wednesday announced new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on two individuals and two entities&nbsp;over&nbsp;their alleged involvement in North&nbsp;Korea's&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;programmes, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;target Choi Chon Gon, a former&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;national&nbsp;who acquired&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;citizenship, two companies Choi owns and a North&nbsp;Korean who supported Choi, the ministry said.

Choi is accused of helping North&nbsp;Korea's illegal financial activities in violation of United Nations Security Council&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;after acquiring&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;citizenship.

"It marks the first time our government has imposed unilateral&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on an individual of&nbsp;Korean descent," the ministry said in a statement.

Reuters was unable to immediately reach Choi for comment.

Nuclear-armed North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has been testing various&nbsp;weapons&nbsp;including its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile, ramping up tension with Seoul and the&nbsp;South's main ally, the United States.

South Korea on Wednesday announced new sanctions on two individuals and two entities over their alleged involvement in North Korea's weapons programmes, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

South Korea on Wednesday announced new sanctions on two individuals and two entities over their alleged involvement in North Korea's weapons programmes, Seoul's foreign ministry said. The sanctions target Choi Chon Gon, a former South Korean national who acquired Russian citizenship, two companies Choi owns and a North Korean who supported Choi, the ministry said. Choi is accused of helping North Korea's illegal financial activities in violation of United Nations Security Council sanctions after acquiring Russian citizenship. "It marks the first time our government has imposed unilateral sanctions on an individual of Korean descent," the ministry said in a statement. Reuters was unable to immediately reach Choi for comment. Nuclear-armed North Korea has been testing various weapons including its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile, ramping up tension with Seoul and the South's main ally, the United States.

South Korea unveils sanctions on Russian national over North's weapons programmes

Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday.

Matsuno, Tokyo's top government spokesperson, also condemned Russia's move on Thursday to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying it would further intensify situations around the invasion of Ukraine.

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"As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan never accepts Russia's nuclear menace, let alone its use," Matsuno told a regular press conference.

The leaders of G7, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France, last week showed their resolve to support Ukraine with additional military aids and sanctions on Russia, at the annual summit held in the world's first atomic-bombed city Hiroshima.

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In a co-ordinated action with G7, Japan will freeze assets of 78 groups and 17 individuals including army officers in Russia and ban exports to 80 Russian entities such as military-affiliated research labs, according to a Friday foreign ministry statement.

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Japan will also ban providing construction and engineering services to Russia, although the details of the measure will be announced at a later date, a trade ministry statement said.

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Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday.

Japan will place additional sanctions on Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) summit the country hosted last week agreed to step up measures to punish Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said on Friday. Matsuno, Tokyo's top government spokesperson, also condemned Russia's move on Thursday to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, saying it would further intensify situations around the invasion of Ukraine. Also Read | More than 5,000 new species discovered on seabed of Pacific Ocean "As the only country to have suffered atomic bombings during wartime, Japan never accepts Russia's nuclear menace, let alone its use," Matsuno told a regular press conference. The leaders of G7, including the United States, Britain, Germany and France, last week showed their resolve to support Ukraine with additional military aids and sanctions on Russia, at the annual summit held in the world's first atomic-bombed city Hiroshima. Also Read | Elon Musk's Neuralink cleared for human test of brain implants In a co-ordinated action with G7, Japan will freeze assets of 78 groups and 17 individuals including army officers in Russia and ban exports to 80 Russian entities such as military-affiliated research labs, according to a Friday foreign ministry statement. Watch | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Japan will also ban providing construction and engineering services to Russia, although the details of the measure will be announced at a later date, a trade ministry statement said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Japan ramps up Russia sanctions with G7, condemns nuke deployment in Belarus

The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show.

The records, which contain details of nearly a thousand gold shipments in the year since the Ukraine war started, show the Gulf state imported 75.7 tonnes of Russian gold worth $4.3 billion - up from just 1.3 tonnes during 2021.

China and Turkey were the next biggest destinations, importing about 20 tonnes each between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3, 2023. With the UAE, the three countries accounted for 99.8% of the Russian gold exports in the customs data for this period.

In the days after the Ukraine conflict started, many multinational banks, logistics providers and precious metal refiners stopped handling Russian gold, which had typically been shipped to London, a gold trading and storage hub.

The London Bullion Market Association banned Russian bars made from March 7, 2022, and by the end of August, Britain, the European Union, Switzerland, the United States, Canada and Japan had all banned imports of Russian bullion.

The export records show, however, that Russian gold producers quickly found new markets in countries that had not imposed sanctions on Moscow, such as the UAE, Turkey and China.

Louis Marechal, a gold sourcing expert at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said there was a risk Russian gold could be melted down and recast and then find its way back into U.S. and European markets with its origin masked.

"If the Russian gold comes in, is recast by a local refiner, sourced by a local bank or trader and then sold on into the market, there you have a risk," he said. "This is why carrying out due diligence is instrumental to end buyers wishing to ensure they respect sanctions regimes."

The UAE government's Gold Bullion Committee said the state operated with clear and robust processes against illicit goods, money laundering and sanctioned entities.

"The UAE will continue to trade openly and honestly, with its international partners, in compliance with all current international norms as set down by the United Nations," it said.

<h2>Thriving gold hub</h2>

In a bid to further isolate Russia, Washington has warned countries, including the UAE and Turkey, they could lose access to G7 markets if they do business with entities subject to U.S. sanctions.

The data reviewed by Reuters does not suggest there has been any violation of U.S. sanctions by those countries.

The U.S. Treasury, whose Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces sanctions, did not respond to requests for comment.

The shipments in the customs data, supplied to Reuters by a commercial provider, show exports of 116.3 tonnes between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3 this year, although consultant Metals Focus estimates Russia produced 325 tonnes of gold in 2022.

The rest of the gold dug in Russia likely either stayed in the country or was exported in transactions not included in the records. Reuters was unable to determine what proportion of Russia's total gold exports were covered by the data.

Most of the Russian gold shipments to China went to Hong Kong. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country's cooperation with Russia "shall be free from disruption or coercion from any third party".

Turkey's finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Russian government, customs authority and central bank did not respond to requests for comment about gold exports.

The shift in Russian exports away from London is not seen as a major blow as the hub is not reliant on Russia. In 2021, for example, gold from Russia accounted for 29% of London's imports but in 2018 it made up just 2%, British trade data shows.

The UAE, meanwhile, has long had a thriving gold industry. Trade data show it imported about 750 tonnes of pure gold a year on average between 2016 and 2021 - meaning the shipments in the Russian records would only account for about 10% of its imports.

The UAE is a major exporter of bullion and jewellery.

<h2>DISCOUNT PRICES</h2>

The manager of one company that shipped large amounts of Russian gold to the UAE told Reuters that Russian firms had been selling bullion there at a discount of about 1% to global benchmark prices, offering an incentive to trade.

The manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the gold his firm shipped to the UAE was destined for refineries, where it would be melted down and recast.

Reuters asked four of Russia's largest gold miners for comment. Nordgold and Norilsk Nickel declined to comment. Polyus and Polymetal did not respond.

In many cases, the customs records show only shippers or traders involved in the transactions, not the end buyer, which could be a refiner, jeweller or investor.

The records show the biggest handler of Russian gold exported to the UAE was Temis Luxury Middle East, a Dubai subsidiary of French logistics firm Temis Luxury involved in the shipment of 15.6 tonnes valued at $863 million from April 2022 to March 3.

Broca Houy, head of compliance at Temis Luxury Group, said the company "fully complies with the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates for freight forwarder business".

He said Temis did not buy Russian gold and only accepted transport orders from operators not subject to U.S. sanctions.

Asked about the shipments, France's finance ministry said it would not comment on individual cases but it was very committed to the application of sanctions.

European sanctions do not typically apply to overseas subsidiaries, so European firms whose subsidiaries were involved in shipments of Russian gold to the UAE, Turkey or Hong Kong would not have necessarily broken any laws, said Tan Albayrak, a sanctions lawyer at Reed Smith in London.

The second-largest handler of Russian bullion in the UAE, with involvement in shipments of 14.6 tonnes worth $820 million, was logistics firm Transguard, part of the Emirates Group, the airline-to-hotels company owned by the Gulf state's wealth fund.

Emirates said it had not bought any Russian gold, operated in full compliance with applicable laws and had now stopped transporting it.

"Due to recent regulatory developments, Transguard is no longer providing logistics services pertaining to shipments of gold to or from Russia," it said.

In Hong Kong, most Russian gold shipments were handled by Vpower Finance Security Hong Kong Ltd, a Chinese logistics company. It was involved in the import of 20.5 tonnes of gold worth $1.2 billion between May 2022 and March 3, the records show.

Vpower Finance Security did not respond to requests for comment.

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The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show.

The United Arab Emirates has become a key trade hub for Russian gold since Western sanctions over Ukraine cut Russia's more traditional export routes, Russian customs records show. The records, which contain details of nearly a thousand gold shipments in the year since the Ukraine war started, show the Gulf state imported 75.7 tonnes of Russian gold worth $4.3 billion - up from just 1.3 tonnes during 2021. China and Turkey were the next biggest destinations, importing about 20 tonnes each between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3, 2023. With the UAE, the three countries accounted for 99.8% of the Russian gold exports in the customs data for this period. In the days after the Ukraine conflict started, many multinational banks, logistics providers and precious metal refiners stopped handling Russian gold, which had typically been shipped to London, a gold trading and storage hub. The London Bullion Market Association banned Russian bars made from March 7, 2022, and by the end of August, Britain, the European Union, Switzerland, the United States, Canada and Japan had all banned imports of Russian bullion. The export records show, however, that Russian gold producers quickly found new markets in countries that had not imposed sanctions on Moscow, such as the UAE, Turkey and China. Louis Marechal, a gold sourcing expert at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said there was a risk Russian gold could be melted down and recast and then find its way back into U.S. and European markets with its origin masked. "If the Russian gold comes in, is recast by a local refiner, sourced by a local bank or trader and then sold on into the market, there you have a risk," he said. "This is why carrying out due diligence is instrumental to end buyers wishing to ensure they respect sanctions regimes." The UAE government's Gold Bullion Committee said the state operated with clear and robust processes against illicit goods, money laundering and sanctioned entities. "The UAE will continue to trade openly and honestly, with its international partners, in compliance with all current international norms as set down by the United Nations," it said. Thriving gold hub In a bid to further isolate Russia, Washington has warned countries, including the UAE and Turkey, they could lose access to G7 markets if they do business with entities subject to U.S. sanctions. The data reviewed by Reuters does not suggest there has been any violation of U.S. sanctions by those countries. The U.S. Treasury, whose Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces sanctions, did not respond to requests for comment. The shipments in the customs data, supplied to Reuters by a commercial provider, show exports of 116.3 tonnes between Feb. 24, 2022 and March 3 this year, although consultant Metals Focus estimates Russia produced 325 tonnes of gold in 2022. The rest of the gold dug in Russia likely either stayed in the country or was exported in transactions not included in the records. Reuters was unable to determine what proportion of Russia's total gold exports were covered by the data. Most of the Russian gold shipments to China went to Hong Kong. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country's cooperation with Russia "shall be free from disruption or coercion from any third party". Turkey's finance ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The Russian government, customs authority and central bank did not respond to requests for comment about gold exports. The shift in Russian exports away from London is not seen as a major blow as the hub is not reliant on Russia. In 2021, for example, gold from Russia accounted for 29% of London's imports but in 2018 it made up just 2%, British trade data shows. The UAE, meanwhile, has long had a thriving gold industry. Trade data show it imported about 750 tonnes of pure gold a year on average between 2016 and 2021 - meaning the shipments in the Russian records would only account for about 10% of its imports. The UAE is a major exporter of bullion and jewellery. DISCOUNT PRICES The manager of one company that shipped large amounts of Russian gold to the UAE told Reuters that Russian firms had been selling bullion there at a discount of about 1% to global benchmark prices, offering an incentive to trade. The manager, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said most of the gold his firm shipped to the UAE was destined for refineries, where it would be melted down and recast. Reuters asked four of Russia's largest gold miners for comment. Nordgold and Norilsk Nickel declined to comment. Polyus and Polymetal did not respond. In many cases, the customs records show only shippers or traders involved in the transactions, not the end buyer, which could be a refiner, jeweller or investor. The records show the biggest handler of Russian gold exported to the UAE was Temis Luxury Middle East, a Dubai subsidiary of French logistics firm Temis Luxury involved in the shipment of 15.6 tonnes valued at $863 million from April 2022 to March 3. Broca Houy, head of compliance at Temis Luxury Group, said the company "fully complies with the laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates for freight forwarder business". He said Temis did not buy Russian gold and only accepted transport orders from operators not subject to U.S. sanctions. Asked about the shipments, France's finance ministry said it would not comment on individual cases but it was very committed to the application of sanctions. European sanctions do not typically apply to overseas subsidiaries, so European firms whose subsidiaries were involved in shipments of Russian gold to the UAE, Turkey or Hong Kong would not have necessarily broken any laws, said Tan Albayrak, a sanctions lawyer at Reed Smith in London. The second-largest handler of Russian bullion in the UAE, with involvement in shipments of 14.6 tonnes worth $820 million, was logistics firm Transguard, part of the Emirates Group, the airline-to-hotels company owned by the Gulf state's wealth fund. Emirates said it had not bought any Russian gold, operated in full compliance with applicable laws and had now stopped transporting it. "Due to recent regulatory developments, Transguard is no longer providing logistics services pertaining to shipments of gold to or from Russia," it said. In Hong Kong, most Russian gold shipments were handled by Vpower Finance Security Hong Kong Ltd, a Chinese logistics company. It was involved in the import of 20.5 tonnes of gold worth $1.2 billion between May 2022 and March 3, the records show. Vpower Finance Security did not respond to requests for comment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

From Russia with gold: UAE cashes in as sanctions bite

Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions.

"In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry stated, adding that Obama was on the list.

The United States added hundreds of fresh companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist on Friday, broadening its efforts to choke off Russia's economy in response to the Ukraine conflict, as reported by AFP.

"Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said.

Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers were among those named.

Erin Burnett of CNN and Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC were also present on the list.&nbsp;

Russia claimed it has blacklisted senators, congressmen, and think tank members "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes," as well as the leaders of companies that "supply weapons to Ukraine."

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In the same announcement, Russia refused a consular access to jailed US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was seized in March on suspicion of espionage.

The denial was precipitated by Washington's reluctance to give visas to journalists accompanying Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April.&nbsp;

<h2>Fresh round of sanctions against Russia at G7 summit in Hiroshima</h2>

The United States slapped penalties on more than 300 targets on Friday as the Group of Seven leaders convened in Japan, intending to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and expanding one of the strongest sanctions campaigns ever launched.

The measure, which targets Russia's sanctions evasion, future oil income, and military-industrial supply networks, is the latest in a series of sanctions and export controls aimed at Moscow, which have already impacted thousands of targets and put severe restrictions on Russia.

"Today’s&nbsp;actions will further tighten the vise on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to wage his barbaric invasion and will advance our global efforts to cut off Russian attempts to evade&nbsp;sanctions," US&nbsp;Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

Experts believe that while the sanctions have certainly harmed Russia's economy, they have so far failed to deter Putin from prosecuting a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and reduced towns to ashes.

As per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the operation on Friday targeted a worldwide network that procures components for the Russia-based firm in charge of manufacturing the Orlan drone, which Russian military and its proxies are operating in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions. "In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration.

Russia said on Friday that it has banned 500 Americans, including former President Barack Obama, from entering the country in reaction to US sanctions. "In response to the anti-Russian sanctions regularly imposed by the Biden administration... entry into the Russian Federation is closed for 500 Americans," the foreign ministry stated, adding that Obama was on the list. The United States added hundreds of fresh companies and individuals to its sanctions blacklist on Friday, broadening its efforts to choke off Russia's economy in response to the Ukraine conflict, as reported by AFP. "Washington should have learned a long time ago that not a single hostile step against Russia will be left unanswered," the foreign ministry said. Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel, and Seth Meyers were among those named. Erin Burnett of CNN and Rachel Maddow and Joe Scarborough of MSNBC were also present on the list. Russia claimed it has blacklisted senators, congressmen, and think tank members "involved in the spread of Russophobic attitudes and fakes," as well as the leaders of companies that "supply weapons to Ukraine." In the same announcement, Russia refused a consular access to jailed US journalist Evan Gershkovich, who was seized in March on suspicion of espionage. The denial was precipitated by Washington's reluctance to give visas to journalists accompanying Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to the United Nations in April. Fresh round of sanctions against Russia at G7 summit in Hiroshima The United States slapped penalties on more than 300 targets on Friday as the Group of Seven leaders convened in Japan, intending to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and expanding one of the strongest sanctions campaigns ever launched. The measure, which targets Russia's sanctions evasion, future oil income, and military-industrial supply networks, is the latest in a series of sanctions and export controls aimed at Moscow, which have already impacted thousands of targets and put severe restrictions on Russia. "Today’s actions will further tighten the vise on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to wage his barbaric invasion and will advance our global efforts to cut off Russian attempts to evade sanctions," US Treasury Department Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement, as reported by Reuters. Experts believe that while the sanctions have certainly harmed Russia's economy, they have so far failed to deter Putin from prosecuting a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and reduced towns to ashes. As per US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the operation on Friday targeted a worldwide network that procures components for the Russia-based firm in charge of manufacturing the Orlan drone, which Russian military and its proxies are operating in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Barack Obama among 500 Americans prohibited from entering Russia in retaliation for US sanctions

The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine.

The announcement came during the historic meeting in Hiroshima city of Japan, where the leaders of G7 countries vowed to restrict Russia’s access to G7 economies. The decision was made ahead of Ukraine President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the city.

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The Group of Seven (G7) consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, the European Union (EU) is a "non-enumerated member."
</section>

During the talks, the bloc pledged “to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine."

“We will broaden our actions to ensure that exports of all items critical to Russia’s aggression... are restricted across all our jurisdictions,” they said in a joint statement.

“We will starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine,” the bloc added.

The grouping said they would step up efforts to prevent circumvention of their existing sanctions regime, “including targeting entities transporting material to the front”.

<h2>G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023: UK imposes sanctions on Russian diamonds ahead of G7 Summit</h2>

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<h2>‘Russia's invasion illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked’</h2>

The G7 leaders termed Russia's invasion "illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked" and called on President Vladimir Putin to "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine".

"We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the impact of Russia’s war on the rest of the world," they said while pledging more financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Kyiv "for as long as it takes."

"We express our full sympathy and condolences to the Ukrainian people for their loss and suffering.&nbsp;We salute the Ukrainian people for their brave resistance. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world."

<h2>Fresh sanctions by US, UK</h2>

According to local media reports, the US at the G7 summit announced new set of sanctions on Friday in a bid to tighten screws on Moscow.

"All G7 members are preparing to implement new sanctions and export controls," a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Hiroshima, according to AFP.

He, however, did not disclose what were the G7 members planning but said that taken together with a substantial US package, they will "make it” even harder for Russia to sustain its war machine".

The US measures will aim to "extensively restrict Russia's access to goods that matter for its battlefield capabilities", the official said.

Britain has banned Russian diamonds in a new wave of sanctions to pressure Russia that will also prohibit imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine.

The Group of Seven (G7) countries on Friday vowed to “starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine”, as it announced a plethora of sanctions to punish Vladimir Putin for launching an invasion against Ukraine. The announcement came during the historic meeting in Hiroshima city of Japan, where the leaders of G7 countries vowed to restrict Russia’s access to G7 economies. The decision was made ahead of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the city. The Group of Seven (G7) consists of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Additionally, the European Union (EU) is a "non-enumerated member." During the talks, the bloc pledged “to stand together against Russia's illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine." “We will broaden our actions to ensure that exports of all items critical to Russia’s aggression... are restricted across all our jurisdictions,” they said in a joint statement. “We will starve Russia of G7 technology, industrial equipment and services that support its war machine,” the bloc added. The grouping said they would step up efforts to prevent circumvention of their existing sanctions regime, “including targeting entities transporting material to the front”. G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023: UK imposes sanctions on Russian diamonds ahead of G7 Summit ‘Russia's invasion illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked’ The G7 leaders termed Russia's invasion "illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked" and called on President Vladimir Putin to "immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw its troops and military equipment from the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine". "We condemn, in the strongest terms, Russia’s manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and the impact of Russia’s war on the rest of the world," they said while pledging more financial, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Kyiv "for as long as it takes." "We express our full sympathy and condolences to the Ukrainian people for their loss and suffering. We salute the Ukrainian people for their brave resistance. Our support for Ukraine will not waver. We will not tire in our commitment to mitigate the impact of Russia’s illegal actions on the rest of the world." Fresh sanctions by US, UK According to local media reports, the US at the G7 summit announced new set of sanctions on Friday in a bid to tighten screws on Moscow. "All G7 members are preparing to implement new sanctions and export controls," a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Hiroshima, according to AFP. He, however, did not disclose what were the G7 members planning but said that taken together with a substantial US package, they will "make it” even harder for Russia to sustain its war machine". The US measures will aim to "extensively restrict Russia's access to goods that matter for its battlefield capabilities", the official said. Britain has banned Russian diamonds in a new wave of sanctions to pressure Russia that will also prohibit imports of Russian-origin copper, aluminium and nickel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

G7 leaders vow new set of tech, services sanctions to ‘starve Russian war machine’

The United States and United Kingdom has announced new sanctions aimed at Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Roman Abramovich. Usmanov and Abramovich were early targets of Western sanctions aimed at key Russian sectors and individuals close to Putin.

UK and US announce new sanctions targeting Russian oligarch

Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar,&nbsp;a study has said.&nbsp;

Swiss exports to Russia in other sectors like machines and watches have come to a standstill, but pharma continued to rise exponentially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Neue Zurcher Zeitung am Sonntag newspaper reported citing figures from the&nbsp;Federal Office&nbsp;for Customs and Border Security.&nbsp;

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pharma exports rose by about 40 per cent, from around $1.54 billion to around $2.2 billion. It now accounts for about a third of all Swiss exports to Russia.&nbsp;

This is because medicines are considered humanitarian goods, and hence it doesn’t fall under the ambit of sanctions.&nbsp;

Switzerland hosts many large pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis and Roche.&nbsp;

“Sales in Russia were driven by a number of factors, including the influx of patients who had delayed medical treatment due to the pandemic,” Novartis told the paper while talking about the rise of pharma exports to Russia.&nbsp;

“One factor was the stockpiling by patients and hospitals in anticipation of possible bottlenecks,” the company added, regarding the war.&nbsp;

Between March 2022 and February 2023, Switzerland exported goods worth $3.2 billion to Russia, which was marginally lower than $3.8 billion in the previous year.&nbsp;

“Given the long list of goods that can no longer be shipped to the warring country, the impact seems soberingly small,” the weekly said.&nbsp;

Though it has honoured EU sanctions on Russia, Switzerland remained strictly neutral.&nbsp;

It has also been facing pressure from Kyiv and its allies to allow countries holding Swiss-made weaponry to re-export it to Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar, a study has said.

Despite sanctions imposed by the European Union, Switzerland’s exports to Russia have dropped only marginally, while pharmaceutical exports continued to soar, a study has said. Swiss exports to Russia in other sectors like machines and watches have come to a standstill, but pharma continued to rise exponentially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Neue Zurcher Zeitung am Sonntag newspaper reported citing figures from the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, pharma exports rose by about 40 per cent, from around $1.54 billion to around $2.2 billion. It now accounts for about a third of all Swiss exports to Russia. This is because medicines are considered humanitarian goods, and hence it doesn’t fall under the ambit of sanctions. Switzerland hosts many large pharmaceutical companies, including Novartis and Roche. “Sales in Russia were driven by a number of factors, including the influx of patients who had delayed medical treatment due to the pandemic,” Novartis told the paper while talking about the rise of pharma exports to Russia. “One factor was the stockpiling by patients and hospitals in anticipation of possible bottlenecks,” the company added, regarding the war. Between March 2022 and February 2023, Switzerland exported goods worth $3.2 billion to Russia, which was marginally lower than $3.8 billion in the previous year. “Given the long list of goods that can no longer be shipped to the warring country, the impact seems soberingly small,” the weekly said. Though it has honoured EU sanctions on Russia, Switzerland remained strictly neutral. It has also been facing pressure from Kyiv and its allies to allow countries holding Swiss-made weaponry to re-export it to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swiss exports to Russia dropped marginally, while pharma registered strong growth despite sanctions 

China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7). Hsiao and her family members have been prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as per media reports.&nbsp;

This comes after the Taiwanese president met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit in the US state of California this week. The meeting has since drawn condemnation from Beijing.&nbsp;

As per media reports, the sanctions announced by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also prohibit investors and firms related to Hsiao from cooperating with mainland organisations and individuals.&nbsp;In response to the move, Hsiao took to Twitter and wrote, “Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time,” along with an image of the statement by the Chinese government.

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Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time. <a href="https://t.co/vojvhFB5RK">pic.twitter.com/vojvhFB5RK</a>
— Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴 (@bikhim) <a href="https://twitter.com/bikhim/status/1644146309816025089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Notably, Beijing had also announced sanctions against Hsaio and around seven Taiwanese officials in August after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island.&nbsp;At the time China had also accused Hsiao of being “independence diehards” which drew condemnation from the democratically governed island.

China has repeatedly claimed the self-governing island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to “reunify” the island with the mainland by force if necessary.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Taiwan has forged stronger ties with Washington under Tsai amid growing threats from Beijing.

On Friday, China also imposed similar sanctions against The Prospect Foundation, which is headed by a former Taiwanese foreign minister, and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a multinational alliance of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).&nbsp;

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also accused these organisations of promoting the idea of “Taiwan independence” across the world, reported the state media. However, Chinese sanctions have very little impact since senior Taiwanese officials typically do not visit the mainland and Beijing’s courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7).

China announced a new round of sanctions against Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, reported the Chinese state media, on Friday (April 7). Hsiao and her family members have been prohibited from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, as per media reports. This comes after the Taiwanese president met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her visit in the US state of California this week. The meeting has since drawn condemnation from Beijing. As per media reports, the sanctions announced by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also prohibit investors and firms related to Hsiao from cooperating with mainland organisations and individuals. In response to the move, Hsiao took to Twitter and wrote, “Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time,” along with an image of the statement by the Chinese government. Wow, the PRC just sanctioned me again, for the second time. pic.twitter.com/vojvhFB5RK — Bi-khim Hsiao 蕭美琴 (@bikhim) April 7, 2023 × Notably, Beijing had also announced sanctions against Hsaio and around seven Taiwanese officials in August after former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island. At the time China had also accused Hsiao of being “independence diehards” which drew condemnation from the democratically governed island. China has repeatedly claimed the self-governing island of Taiwan as a part of its territory and has vowed to “reunify” the island with the mainland by force if necessary. Meanwhile, Taiwan has forged stronger ties with Washington under Tsai amid growing threats from Beijing. On Friday, China also imposed similar sanctions against The Prospect Foundation, which is headed by a former Taiwanese foreign minister, and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, a multinational alliance of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). China’s Taiwan Affairs Office also accused these organisations of promoting the idea of “Taiwan independence” across the world, reported the state media. However, Chinese sanctions have very little impact since senior Taiwanese officials typically do not visit the mainland and Beijing’s courts do not have jurisdiction in Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China imposes sanctions on Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to US after Tsai-McCarthy meet

Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country.

The rouble closed at 81.6 per dollar on Thursday, the lowest since April 2022.

Reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed Shell to sell its stake, worth $1.21 billion, in a project in the Russian Far East. Shell moved out of Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine last year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-makes-record-local-defence-purchases-credit-russias-rouble-roadblock-report-572116">India makes record local defence purchases due to Russia's rouble roadblock: Report</a>

Since the war began in Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has asked foreign companies to seek permission before selling their Russian assets.

The British oil giant is not the only company to withdraw from Russia, which has been under multiple sanctions after the invasion. These sanctions have effectively cut Russia's global financial and payment systems access.

According to a Bloomberg report, assets worth 15 to 20 billion dollars have flown out of Russia, putting immense pressure on its economy.

The flight of capital from Russia has hurt the stability of the rouble.

"With liquidity in the currency market low, it leads to increased volatility for the rouble," Dmitry Polevoy of Moscow's Locko-Invest told Bloomberg.

Indeed, the rouble has had a volatile journey since the Ukraine war. The Russian currency rose from 78 to over 130 per dollar when Moscow invaded its neighbour.

However, by mid-2022, it recovered to 57 roubles per dollar. This was the best exchange rate in about four years.

The currency volatility, however,&nbsp;does not bode&nbsp;well for the Russian economy. After denying it for several months, Putin admitted that sanctions could impact Russia in the medium term.

"The illegitimate restrictions imposed may indeed have a negative impact on it in the medium term," the Russian state media quoted him as saying. 
&nbsp;

WATCH | Capital outflows weigh on the Russia rouble

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Reports in the Russian media suggest that sanctions have led to the budget deficit in the first two months of 2023 reaching 88 per cent.&nbsp;

A higher budget deficit means that Moscow needs help to fund its coffers.

According to the International Energy Agency, Russia earned $11.6 billion from its oil exports in February 2023, a 42 per cent drop from $20 billion in February 2022.

The drop in revenue comes after the European Union imposed a ban on Russian oil and a price cap was imposed by G7 countries and Australia. 
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Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country.

Russia's currency rouble hit its lowest level since April last year on Thursday after reports suggested that British oil giant Shell may repatriate over $1 billion from the sanctions-hit country. The rouble closed at 81.6 per dollar on Thursday, the lowest since April 2022. Reports suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin has allowed Shell to sell its stake, worth $1.21 billion, in a project in the Russian Far East. Shell moved out of Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine last year. ALSO READ | India makes record local defence purchases due to Russia's rouble roadblock: Report Since the war began in Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has asked foreign companies to seek permission before selling their Russian assets. The British oil giant is not the only company to withdraw from Russia, which has been under multiple sanctions after the invasion. These sanctions have effectively cut Russia's global financial and payment systems access. According to a Bloomberg report, assets worth 15 to 20 billion dollars have flown out of Russia, putting immense pressure on its economy. The flight of capital from Russia has hurt the stability of the rouble. "With liquidity in the currency market low, it leads to increased volatility for the rouble," Dmitry Polevoy of Moscow's Locko-Invest told Bloomberg. Indeed, the rouble has had a volatile journey since the Ukraine war. The Russian currency rose from 78 to over 130 per dollar when Moscow invaded its neighbour. However, by mid-2022, it recovered to 57 roubles per dollar. This was the best exchange rate in about four years. The currency volatility, however, does not bode well for the Russian economy. After denying it for several months, Putin admitted that sanctions could impact Russia in the medium term. "The illegitimate restrictions imposed may indeed have a negative impact on it in the medium term," the Russian state media quoted him as saying. WATCH | Capital outflows weigh on the Russia rouble Reports in the Russian media suggest that sanctions have led to the budget deficit in the first two months of 2023 reaching 88 per cent. A higher budget deficit means that Moscow needs help to fund its coffers. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia earned $11.6 billion from its oil exports in February 2023, a 42 per cent drop from $20 billion in February 2022. The drop in revenue comes after the European Union imposed a ban on Russian oil and a price cap was imposed by G7 countries and Australia. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian rouble hits a one-year low as Ukraine war-induced sanctions begin to pinch

Microsoft has agreed to pay approximately $3 million to settle its potential civil liability for more than 1,300 apparent sanctions violations involving exporting services or software from the US to Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Russia.

On Thursday, the United States and Microsoft reached a settlement over the tech firm's apparent violations of sanctions and export controls, which it voluntarily disclosed.

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The US Treasury Department said Microsoft's conduct was "non-egregious and voluntarily self-disclosed."

Most of the violations, which occurred between 2012 and 2019, involved blocked Russian entities or persons in the Crimea region of Ukraine.

These occurred because of Microsoft's failure to identify and prevent the use of its products by prohibited parties, the Treasury Department said.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 before launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. As the company takes the bullet for the mishap, it has yet to deal with other complaints.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-posing-as-fraud-prevention-specialist-dupes-many-us-elderly-gets-33-months-prison-term-579966">Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term</a>

The company has registered its cooperation with the authorities over the probe and was pleased with the settlement.

Microsoft has clarified it, mentioning how they take export control and sanctions compliance very seriously.

After learning about a few employees' screening failures and infractions, it voluntarily disclosed them to the appropriate authorities.

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According to the Treasury Department, the causes of sanctions violations included a lack of complete or accurate information on the identities of the end customers for Microsoft products, as well as shortcomings in Microsoft's restricted-party screening.

However, with the legal compliances, the company is all set to put the fiasco behind the progress in their business.

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Microsoft has agreed to pay approximately $3 million to settle its potential civil liability for more than 1,300 apparent sanctions violations involving exporting services or software from the US to Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Russia.

Microsoft has agreed to pay approximately $3 million to settle its potential civil liability for more than 1,300 apparent sanctions violations involving exporting services or software from the US to Cuba, Iran, Syria, and Russia. On Thursday, the United States and Microsoft reached a settlement over the tech firm's apparent violations of sanctions and export controls, which it voluntarily disclosed. Also Read | King Charles backs research to investigate links between royal family and slavery The US Treasury Department said Microsoft's conduct was "non-egregious and voluntarily self-disclosed." Most of the violations, which occurred between 2012 and 2019, involved blocked Russian entities or persons in the Crimea region of Ukraine. These occurred because of Microsoft's failure to identify and prevent the use of its products by prohibited parties, the Treasury Department said. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 before launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. As the company takes the bullet for the mishap, it has yet to deal with other complaints. Also Read | Indian posing as fraud prevention specialist dupes many US elderly, gets 33 months prison term The company has registered its cooperation with the authorities over the probe and was pleased with the settlement. Microsoft has clarified it, mentioning how they take export control and sanctions compliance very seriously. After learning about a few employees' screening failures and infractions, it voluntarily disclosed them to the appropriate authorities. Watch | Rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia hold first high-level talks in seven years × According to the Treasury Department, the causes of sanctions violations included a lack of complete or accurate information on the identities of the end customers for Microsoft products, as well as shortcomings in Microsoft's restricted-party screening. However, with the legal compliances, the company is all set to put the fiasco behind the progress in their business. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Microsoft to pay $3 million settlement over sanctions violations

European Union threatened to impose sanctions on Belarus on Sunday (March 26) in what may be first major pushback from the West against Russian plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in the country. EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this in no uncertain terms.

"Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation and threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions," he tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Belarus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Belarus</a> hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation &amp; threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. 
 
The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) <a href="https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1639982108612370432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Russian President Vladimir Putin himseld announced on Saturday that Russia plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Belarusian regime led by President Lukashenko is a strong ally of Russia.

Tactical nuclear weapons are aimed at gaining decisive advantage in a local battlefield as opposed to 'strategic' nuclear weapons which have capacity to flatten entire cities in one go.

Putin said that the planned deployment was similar to moves from the US, which stores such weapons in bases across Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, an analogy western allies called "misleading".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-belarus-will-be-hostage-if-russia-places-tactical-nukes-575875">Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage'</a>

Prior to EU's declaration of sanctions, West's response to Putin's announcement has been relatively low-key.

The Ukrainian foreign ministry accused Russia of breaching its obligations, and of undermining the "nuclear disarmament architecture and the international security system in general".

It called on "all members of the international community to convey to the criminal Putin regime the categorical unacceptability of its latest.

(With inputs from agencies)

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European Union threatened to impose sanctions on Belarus on Sunday (March 26) in what may be first major pushback from the West against Russian plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in the country.

European Union threatened to impose sanctions on Belarus on Sunday (March 26) in what may be first major pushback from the West against Russian plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in the country. EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said this in no uncertain terms. "Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation and threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions," he tweeted. #Belarus hosting Russian nuclear weapons would mean an irresponsible escalation & threat to European security. Belarus can still stop it, it is their choice. The EU stands ready to respond with further sanctions. — Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) March 26, 2023 × Russian President Vladimir Putin himseld announced on Saturday that Russia plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Belarusian regime led by President Lukashenko is a strong ally of Russia. Tactical nuclear weapons are aimed at gaining decisive advantage in a local battlefield as opposed to 'strategic' nuclear weapons which have capacity to flatten entire cities in one go. Putin said that the planned deployment was similar to moves from the US, which stores such weapons in bases across Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey, an analogy western allies called "misleading". Also Read | Ukraine slams Russia's nuke plans, says Belarus taken 'hostage' Prior to EU's declaration of sanctions, West's response to Putin's announcement has been relatively low-key. The Ukrainian foreign ministry accused Russia of breaching its obligations, and of undermining the "nuclear disarmament architecture and the international security system in general". It called on "all members of the international community to convey to the criminal Putin regime the categorical unacceptability of its latest. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

EU warns of new sanctions if Belarus hosts Russian nukes

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite.&nbsp;

An energy and metals tycoon who once held the tag of Russia’s richest person, Deripaska, said, There will be no money already next year. We will need foreign investors.”

He was speaking at an investment conference in Siberia on Thursday. The tycoon has also been impacted by the sanctions imposed by the US, UK and EU against Russia for invading Ukraine.&nbsp;

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He said that funds have been running low and “that’s why they’ve (the Russian government) already begun to shake us down”, according to a Bloomberg report.

He stated that Russia has been facing “serious” pressure because of western sanctions and that Moscow and its businesses need to look to other countries which have “serious resources” to invest.

“We thought we were a European country,” said Deripaska, &nbsp;founder of Rusal which is the biggest producer of aluminium outside China.&nbsp;

“Now, for the next 25 years, we will think more about our Asian past," he added.&nbsp;

The comment comes amid warnings of the European ratings agency Scope that the budget deficit of Russia may increase to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), in comparison to the government’s forecast of 2 per cent of GDP. The official shortfall of 2.3 per cent was recorded in 2022.&nbsp;

Scope stated that the fall was a result of lower revenues from oil and gas exports, as the West distanced itself from Russian energy.

WATCH | NATO: World more dangerous with Russia suspending START treaty

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&nbsp;“Sanctions and the war are constraining Russia’s fiscal flexibility … due to lower energy export revenues, higher war-related spending and a steady decline in GDP,” Scope stated, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;

“For now, Russia can finance its deficit relatively easily by drawing down the national wealth fund, set to amount to only 3.7 per cent of GDP by end-2024 from 10.4 per cent of GDP at end-2021," it added.&nbsp;

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Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite.

Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska said that Russia is likely to run out of money by 2024 unless the nation receives investment from “friendly” countries as the sanction imposed by the Westen countries continue to bite. An energy and metals tycoon who once held the tag of Russia’s richest person, Deripaska, said, There will be no money already next year. We will need foreign investors.” He was speaking at an investment conference in Siberia on Thursday. The tycoon has also been impacted by the sanctions imposed by the US, UK and EU against Russia for invading Ukraine. ALSO READ | Torture centres in Kherson planned and financed by Russia, says lawyer group He said that funds have been running low and “that’s why they’ve (the Russian government) already begun to shake us down”, according to a Bloomberg report. He stated that Russia has been facing “serious” pressure because of western sanctions and that Moscow and its businesses need to look to other countries which have “serious resources” to invest. “We thought we were a European country,” said Deripaska, founder of Rusal which is the biggest producer of aluminium outside China. “Now, for the next 25 years, we will think more about our Asian past," he added. The comment comes amid warnings of the European ratings agency Scope that the budget deficit of Russia may increase to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), in comparison to the government’s forecast of 2 per cent of GDP. The official shortfall of 2.3 per cent was recorded in 2022. Scope stated that the fall was a result of lower revenues from oil and gas exports, as the West distanced itself from Russian energy. WATCH | NATO: World more dangerous with Russia suspending START treaty “Sanctions and the war are constraining Russia’s fiscal flexibility … due to lower energy export revenues, higher war-related spending and a steady decline in GDP,” Scope stated, as per a Reuters report. “For now, Russia can finance its deficit relatively easily by drawing down the national wealth fund, set to amount to only 3.7 per cent of GDP by end-2024 from 10.4 per cent of GDP at end-2021," it added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia likely to run out of money next year, claims oligarch Oleg Deripaska

China accused the U.S. of "illegal" sanctions on Chinese companies as part of actions against Russia's Wagner Group and related companies and individuals.

China: U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms over Russia exports are illegal

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

WION Speed News: Russia acknowledges China's proposal | Russia slams EU sanctions package

The US announced a new set of sanctions on Moscow on Friday marking the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war to impose further economic costs on Russia. In coordination with G7 partners and allies, the US Departments of the Treasury and State will implement sweeping sanctions against key revenue-generating sectors like defence&nbsp;and banks, besides blocking access to semiconductors.&nbsp;

As per a White House press release, the new sanctions&nbsp;will result in sanctions being imposed on over 200 individuals and entities, including both Russian and third-country actors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East "that are supporting Russia’s war effort."

The White House said in a statement that it was joining with partners in the Group of Seven countries to impose new financial penalties designed to stop the funding of Moscow’s war machine.&nbsp;The&nbsp;measures will include sanctions on 200 people and companies, restricting exports to Russia and increasing tariffs on products from the country.

US President Joe Biden said in&nbsp;a tweet on Friday, “From Kherson to Kharkiv — Ukrainian fighters have reclaimed their land. And in more than half of the territory Russia held last year, the Ukrainian flag proudly waves once more.”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-resorting-to-spammer-tactics-to-control-online-conversations-about-ukraine-war-says-meta-565431">Russia resorting to spammer tactics to control online conversations about Ukraine war, says Meta</a>

The target will be a dozen Russian financial institutions, as well as Russian officials and proxy authorities "illegitimately" operating in Ukraine.&nbsp;Sanctions were also announced on "additional actors tied to Russia’s defence and technology industry, including those responsible for backfilling Russian stocks of sanctioned items or enabling Russian sanctions evasion."

"It also includes the targeting of Russia’s future energy capabilities in a manner that does not impact current production to minimize market disruption. The United States also is expanding its sanctions authorities to Russia’s metals and mining sector, tailored to minimize market disruption," the press release added.&nbsp;

Moreover, to restrict exports to Russia, the US Department of Commerce will take several export control actions, listing nearly 90 Russian and third-country companies, including in China among other countries, for engaging in activities in support of Russia’s defence sector.&nbsp;

These listings will prohibit the targeted companies from purchasing items, such as semiconductors, whether made in the US or with certain US technology or software abroad. "Commerce will also take action alongside G7 partners and allies to align measures on industrial machinery, luxury goods, and other items, as well as issue new restrictions to prevent components found in Iranian drones from making their way onto the battlefield in Ukraine," the statement read.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-might-not-support-rishi-sunaks-northern-ireland-deal-565423">Boris Johnson might not support Rishi Sunak’s Northern Ireland deal</a>

Another sanction includes increasing tariffs on Russian products. This will raise tariffs on certain Russian products imported to the United States, building on previous efforts to strip Russia of its international trade privileges.&nbsp;

These measures, the White House said, are designed to target key Russian commodities generating revenue for the Kremlin while reducing US reliance on Russia.&nbsp;

"These measures are carefully calibrated to impose costs on Russia while minimising costs to US consumers. Today’s action will result in increased tariffs on more than 100 Russian metals, minerals, and chemical products worth approximately $2.8 billion to Russia."

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-speed-news-un-general-assembly-votes-on-ukraine-peace-resolution-565525">WION Speed News: UN General Assembly votes on Ukraine peace resolution</a>

It will also significantly increase costs for the aluminium that was smelted or cast in Russia to enter the US market "in order to counter harm to the domestic aluminium industry, which is being squeezed by energy costs as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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The US announced a new set of sanctions on Moscow on Friday marking the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war to impose further economic costs on Russia. In coordination with G7 partners and allies, the US Departments of the Treasury and State will implement sweeping sanctions against key revenue-generating sectors like defence and banks, besides blocking access to semiconductors.

The US announced a new set of sanctions on Moscow on Friday marking the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine war to impose further economic costs on Russia. In coordination with G7 partners and allies, the US Departments of the Treasury and State will implement sweeping sanctions against key revenue-generating sectors like defence and banks, besides blocking access to semiconductors. As per a White House press release, the new sanctions will result in sanctions being imposed on over 200 individuals and entities, including both Russian and third-country actors across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East "that are supporting Russia’s war effort." The White House said in a statement that it was joining with partners in the Group of Seven countries to impose new financial penalties designed to stop the funding of Moscow’s war machine. The measures will include sanctions on 200 people and companies, restricting exports to Russia and increasing tariffs on products from the country. US President Joe Biden said in a tweet on Friday, “From Kherson to Kharkiv — Ukrainian fighters have reclaimed their land. And in more than half of the territory Russia held last year, the Ukrainian flag proudly waves once more.” Also Read | Russia resorting to spammer tactics to control online conversations about Ukraine war, says Meta The target will be a dozen Russian financial institutions, as well as Russian officials and proxy authorities "illegitimately" operating in Ukraine. Sanctions were also announced on "additional actors tied to Russia’s defence and technology industry, including those responsible for backfilling Russian stocks of sanctioned items or enabling Russian sanctions evasion." "It also includes the targeting of Russia’s future energy capabilities in a manner that does not impact current production to minimize market disruption. The United States also is expanding its sanctions authorities to Russia’s metals and mining sector, tailored to minimize market disruption," the press release added. Moreover, to restrict exports to Russia, the US Department of Commerce will take several export control actions, listing nearly 90 Russian and third-country companies, including in China among other countries, for engaging in activities in support of Russia’s defence sector. These listings will prohibit the targeted companies from purchasing items, such as semiconductors, whether made in the US or with certain US technology or software abroad. "Commerce will also take action alongside G7 partners and allies to align measures on industrial machinery, luxury goods, and other items, as well as issue new restrictions to prevent components found in Iranian drones from making their way onto the battlefield in Ukraine," the statement read. Also Read | Boris Johnson might not support Rishi Sunak’s Northern Ireland deal Another sanction includes increasing tariffs on Russian products. This will raise tariffs on certain Russian products imported to the United States, building on previous efforts to strip Russia of its international trade privileges. These measures, the White House said, are designed to target key Russian commodities generating revenue for the Kremlin while reducing US reliance on Russia. "These measures are carefully calibrated to impose costs on Russia while minimising costs to US consumers. Today’s action will result in increased tariffs on more than 100 Russian metals, minerals, and chemical products worth approximately $2.8 billion to Russia." Watch | WION Speed News: UN General Assembly votes on Ukraine peace resolution It will also significantly increase costs for the aluminium that was smelted or cast in Russia to enter the US market "in order to counter harm to the domestic aluminium industry, which is being squeezed by energy costs as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US announces new sanctions on Russian banks, defence sector, blocks semiconductor access

Seven members of the Russian-based cybercrime gang Trickbot have been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. US&nbsp;Under Secretary Brian E. Nelson said the cyber criminals, particularly those based in Russia, seek to "attack critical infrastructure, target US businesses, and exploit the international financial system."

"The United States is taking action today in partnership with the United Kingdom because international cooperation is key to addressing Russian cybercrime," he added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-new-lease-of-life-reaches-agreement-with-imf-over-stalled-bailout-package-560427">Pakistan's economy gets new lease of life, reaches agreement with IMF over stalled bailout package</a>

This move comes after previous recent joint&nbsp;sanctions by the US&nbsp;and the UK&nbsp;against Myanmar and Russia, as well as the multilateral action last year against the Kinahan Crime Group.&nbsp;

The Treasury Department added that the joint sanctions also show the strengthened relationship between Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. It continued to state that these sanctions reflect the finding from the 2021 Sanctions Review that sanctions are most effective when coordinated with international partners.

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It accused Russia for being "a haven for cybercriminals, where groups such as Trickbot freely perpetrate malicious cyber activities against the US, the UK, and allies and partners." "These malicious cyber activities have targeted critical infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities during a global pandemic, in both the US and the UK," the statement read.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-aftermath-of-chinas-spy-balloon-560414">US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon</a>

Last month, Treasury noted that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) identified a Russia-based virtual currency exchange, Bitzlato Limited, as a “primary money laundering concern” in connection with Russian illicit finance. &nbsp;

The Department asserted that United States and the United Kingdom are leaders in the international battle against cybercrime, and are dedicated to employing all means at their disposal to thwart cyber threats.

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Seven members of the Russian-based cybercrime gang Trickbot have been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to a statement from the Treasury Department.

Seven members of the Russian-based cybercrime gang Trickbot have been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. US Under Secretary Brian E. Nelson said the cyber criminals, particularly those based in Russia, seek to "attack critical infrastructure, target US businesses, and exploit the international financial system." "The United States is taking action today in partnership with the United Kingdom because international cooperation is key to addressing Russian cybercrime," he added. Also Read | Pakistan's economy gets new lease of life, reaches agreement with IMF over stalled bailout package This move comes after previous recent joint sanctions by the US and the UK against Myanmar and Russia, as well as the multilateral action last year against the Kinahan Crime Group. The Treasury Department added that the joint sanctions also show the strengthened relationship between Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation. It continued to state that these sanctions reflect the finding from the 2021 Sanctions Review that sanctions are most effective when coordinated with international partners. Also Read | South African president declares 'state of disaster' amid worst power crisis It accused Russia for being "a haven for cybercriminals, where groups such as Trickbot freely perpetrate malicious cyber activities against the US, the UK, and allies and partners." "These malicious cyber activities have targeted critical infrastructure, including hospitals and medical facilities during a global pandemic, in both the US and the UK," the statement read. Watch | US: Aftermath of China's spy balloon Last month, Treasury noted that its Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) identified a Russia-based virtual currency exchange, Bitzlato Limited, as a “primary money laundering concern” in connection with Russian illicit finance. The Department asserted that United States and the United Kingdom are leaders in the international battle against cybercrime, and are dedicated to employing all means at their disposal to thwart cyber threats. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US, UK sanction members of Russia-based Trickbot cybercrime gang for malicious activities

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today. The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of Parliament in a joint session. Pope Francis condemned economic colonialism in a strong statement during his visit to Congo.&nbsp;

Among other news, US and allies slapped more sanctions on Myanmar marking the second anniversary of the junta's military rule.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2023-live-updates-nirmala-sitharaman-to-present-union-budget-2023-24-in-parliament-today-557696">Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today</a>

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Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today. The Budget assumes significance by the fact that the country is scheduled to have the next Lok Sabha election in April-May 2024. The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of the Parliament in a joint session.&nbsp;

WATCH | Pope: Hands off Africa!

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-more-sanctions-on-myanmar-on-juntas-second-anniversary-557714">US slaps more sanctions on Myanmar on junta's second anniversary&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

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Myanmar's military toppled the democratically-elected government of the country and grabbed power on 1 February 2021. As the country marks the second anniversary of this military coup, the United States and its allies took the opportunity to tighten its noose around the military regime while imposing sanctions on the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-exxon-posts-record-profits-white-house-calls-it-outrageous-557716">After Exxon posts record profits, White House calls it 'outrageous'&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a> 
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Global oil major ExxonMobil Corp on Tuesday informed it reaped a record net profit of $56 billion last year as oil prices touched record highs due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-india-enter-deal-that-aims-to-counter-china-on-ai-and-military-557726">US, India enter deal that aims to counter China on AI and military&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

 
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The White House and India are entering a partnership Tuesday that President Joe Biden hopes will help the two countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today. The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of Parliament in a joint session.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today. The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of Parliament in a joint session. Pope Francis condemned economic colonialism in a strong statement during his visit to Congo. Among other news, US and allies slapped more sanctions on Myanmar marking the second anniversary of the junta's military rule. Click on the headlines to read more: Nirmala Sitharaman to present Union Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today Indian Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2023-24 in Parliament today. The Budget assumes significance by the fact that the country is scheduled to have the next Lok Sabha election in April-May 2024. The budget session of the Parliament began on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both Houses of the Parliament in a joint session. WATCH | Pope: Hands off Africa! × US slaps more sanctions on Myanmar on junta's second anniversary Myanmar's military toppled the democratically-elected government of the country and grabbed power on 1 February 2021. As the country marks the second anniversary of this military coup, the United States and its allies took the opportunity to tighten its noose around the military regime while imposing sanctions on the country. After Exxon posts record profits, White House calls it 'outrageous' Global oil major ExxonMobil Corp on Tuesday informed it reaped a record net profit of $56 billion last year as oil prices touched record highs due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. US, India enter deal that aims to counter China on AI and military The White House and India are entering a partnership Tuesday that President Joe Biden hopes will help the two countries compete against China on military equipment, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI).

Morning news brief: Indian FM to present Union Budget today, Pope Francis says 'Hands Off Africa' and more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the imposition of sanctions on 182 Russian and Belarusian companies, and three individuals in a bid to block connections between Moscow, Minsk and his country.&nbsp;“Their assets in Ukraine are blocked, their properties will be used for our defence,” Zelenskiy said in a video address on Saturday.

Among those who have been slapped with sanctions include Russian potash fertiliser producer and exporter Uralkali, Belarus state-owned potash producer Belaruskali, Belarusian Railways, as well as Russia’s VTB-Leasing and Gazprombank Leasing, both dealing with transport leasing.

Since the invasion last year, Ukraine has sanctioned hundreds of Russian and Belarusian individuals and firms.

<h2>North Korea denies arm supply to Wagner</h2>

On Sunday, North Korea denied supplying arms to Moscow after the US accused it of providing rockets and missiles to Russia’s mercenary group Wagner, which has been designated as a transnational criminal organisation by Washington.

The White House citing US intelligence photographs said it had ample evidence suggesting that Russian rail cars entered North Korea to pick up infantry rockets and missiles.

The move prompted strong reactions from Pyongyang with a senior North Korean official warning that the US would face a “really undesirable result” if it persists in spreading the “self-made rumour”.

“Trying to tarnish the image of [North Korea] by fabricating a non-existent thing is a grave provocation that can never be allowed and that cannot but trigger its reaction,” said Kwon Jong-gun, director general of the department of US affairs.

He also called it “a foolish attempt to justify its offer of weapons to Ukraine”.

Apart from China, Russia is one of North Korea’s few international friends and has previously come to the regime’s aid.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the imposition of sanctions on 182 Russian and Belarusian companies, and three individuals in a bid to block connections between Moscow, Minsk and his country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the imposition of sanctions on 182 Russian and Belarusian companies, and three individuals in a bid to block connections between Moscow, Minsk and his country. “Their assets in Ukraine are blocked, their properties will be used for our defence,” Zelenskiy said in a video address on Saturday. Among those who have been slapped with sanctions include Russian potash fertiliser producer and exporter Uralkali, Belarus state-owned potash producer Belaruskali, Belarusian Railways, as well as Russia’s VTB-Leasing and Gazprombank Leasing, both dealing with transport leasing. Since the invasion last year, Ukraine has sanctioned hundreds of Russian and Belarusian individuals and firms. North Korea denies arm supply to Wagner On Sunday, North Korea denied supplying arms to Moscow after the US accused it of providing rockets and missiles to Russia’s mercenary group Wagner, which has been designated as a transnational criminal organisation by Washington. The White House citing US intelligence photographs said it had ample evidence suggesting that Russian rail cars entered North Korea to pick up infantry rockets and missiles. The move prompted strong reactions from Pyongyang with a senior North Korean official warning that the US would face a “really undesirable result” if it persists in spreading the “self-made rumour”. “Trying to tarnish the image of [North Korea] by fabricating a non-existent thing is a grave provocation that can never be allowed and that cannot but trigger its reaction,” said Kwon Jong-gun, director general of the department of US affairs. He also called it “a foolish attempt to justify its offer of weapons to Ukraine”. Apart from China, Russia is one of North Korea’s few international friends and has previously come to the regime’s aid. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine slaps sanctions on 182 Russian, Belarusian companies, three individuals

The UK has now imposed new sanctions in response to human rights violations by the Iranian regime since Mahsa Amini’s death and will continue to take a wide range of actions to hold the regime to account.

UK imposes new Iranian sanctions over 'brutal repression'

Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency. This comes after he was accused of “spying” for Britain and was hanged after being convicted of “corruption on Earth” and acting against national security, reported Al Jazeera citing the judiciary’s official news outlet. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and action by the United Kingdom against Iran including sanctions and the temporary withdrawal of their ambassador from Tehran, as it considers branding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation along with the European Union in a reportedly coordinated move.&nbsp;

Who is Alireza Akbari?

Alireza Akbari was a British-Iranian national who also served as deputy defence minister under ex-defence minister Ali Shamkhani in the former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s administration, from 1997 to 2005. According to an audio recording purportedly from Akbari which was broadcasted by BBC Persian, earlier this week, Akbari also fought in the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s and was among the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as well as had a commanding role in developing Tehran’s strategy during the conflict.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-british-iranian-national-for-alleged-spying-says-report-552525">&nbsp;Iran executes British-Iranian national for alleged spying, says report</a>

Since the war, he has reportedly been a close ally of Shamkhani who currently serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. A report by CNN citing Shargh Daily said that Akbari was also a member of the organisation that implemented a ceasefire between Iran-Iraq after the war. Furthermore, he also reportedly led the implementation of a United Nations resolution which ended the war in 1988.&nbsp;

What was Alireza Akbari accused of by Iran?

According to media reports, Akbari stepped down from his position in Iran and eventually moved to the UK where he ran a private think tank and had not been seen in public until his arrest in Iran four years ago. According to a report by BBC Persian, Akbari said he was living abroad before senior Iranian diplomat, Shamkhani, invited him to visit Iran in 2019.

Iran’s judicial news agency, Mizan while confirming Akbari’s death penalty accused him of being, “one of the most important agents of the British spy service who collected important information and provided this for the British spy service in a fully informed and targeted manner”. Additionally, they also claimed that the Iranian-British national had been cultivated by the UK when he was seeking and recruited aboard, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-alireza-akbari-for-being-a-british-spy-552561">Iran executes Alireza Akbari for being a British Spy</a>

According to a report by Reuters, Iranian state media, on Thursday, broadcast a video of Akbari which showed that he played a role in the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh who was allegedly killed in 2020. However, at the time, the authorities in Tehran had blamed the attack on Israel, without providing any evidence.&nbsp;

In that video, while the Iranian-British national did not confess to killing the nuclear scientist he said that a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh, as per Reuters. According to Iranian media reports, he was also accused of being paid more than $2 million in various currencies and allegedly provided information to foreign officials about 178 Iranian officials including Fakhrizadeh.&nbsp;

Furthermore, when the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed the British-Iranian national’s execution it said that Akbari is being hanged for “harming the country’s internal and external security by passing on intelligence”. It added, “The actions of the British spy service in this case have shown the value of the convict, the importance of his access and the enemy’s trust in him.”&nbsp;

Prior to his execution, Akbari had reportedly denied any wrongdoing. He also allegedly said that he was tortured and forced to make false confessions after he was accused of obtaining top-secret intelligence for the British intelligence agency, MI6. Akbari, who was arrested more than three years ago, was reportedly in Evin prison in Tehran where he met other British Iranian dual nationals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sanctions-irans-prosecutor-over-british-iranian-citizens-execution-552692">UK sanctions Iran's prosecutor over British-Iranian citizen’s execution</a> 
 
“With more than 3,500 hours of torture, psychedelic drugs, and physiological and psychological pressure methods, they took away my will,” said Akbari, as per a report by Reuters, citing the BBC Persian’s audio recording.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the former deputy defence minister alleged that Iranian security personnel pressured judges to issue a death penalty against him, “The Supreme Court voted against the death penalty, but the Intelligence Ministry imposed its will by threatening the judge,” reported Reuters citing BBC.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his wife, Maryam told The Guardian, that a decade or so ago Akbari had “formal consultations” with British officials which were well within the scope of his mission, however, his meetings with a university admissions officer, or an estate agent were misinterpreted by intelligence officials as meeting with an agent.&nbsp;

She also asserted, “There was no evidence that he was a spy except a confession that was extracted after he was drugged and interrogated for 3,500 hours.” Speaking to the Guardian, Maryam said that he left the government since “public service was no longer possible” and found himself “politically ostracised”. It was then he supposedly decided to leave Iran after which he travelled to Austria and Spain before settling in the UK.&nbsp;

How did the UK react to Akbari’s sentence and execution?

According to a report by the Guardian, the UK's Foreign Office was aware of Akbari’s case for some time but was only asked to intervene by his family in the last 24 hours when they had exhausted all legal means and political lobbying in Iran had failed. Subsequently, on January 11 the day Akbari was sentenced, the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government to “halt the execution” and called for his immediate release.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-faces-global-backlash-for-akbaris-execution-552821">Iran faces global backlash for Akbari's execution</a>

“This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” said Cleverly. After the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed Alireza Akbari’s execution, on Saturday morning, the UK Prime Minister took to Twitter and said that he is “appalled” and called it a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people. My thoughts are with Alireza’s friends and family.”&nbsp;

Since then, there has been widespread condemnation of Iran. The UK foreign minister, hours after the execution said, “Iran has executed a British national. This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This will not stand unchallenged. My thoughts are with Alireza Akbari’s family.” The&nbsp;61-year-old Akbari leaves behind two daughters and a wife who are currently living in the UK.

The fallout from Alireza Akbari’s execution

In addition to widespread condemnation and criticism, the UK government has since imposed sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze on Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri and the British foreign minister said he “is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-2-more-men-detained-amid-nationwide-protests-550255">Iran executes 2 more men detained amid nationwide protests</a>

So far, in what is expected to be a series of steps against Iran, on Saturday, Cleverly said that Britain would temporarily withdraw its ambassador from Iran and is considering further action against Tehran following Akbari’s execution. “It is important to recognise that our response is not necessarily limited to the actions that I’ve announced today,” said the UK foreign minister.&nbsp;

The UK had also summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires while the British ambassador to Tehran, Stephen Shercliff, was also summoned by the Iranian authorities for Britain’s “unconventional interventions”. Tehran also reportedly told Shercliff that “decisive action” to protect Iran’s national security will not “depend on the consent of other governments, including England”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-2-more-protesters-khamenei-appoints-new-national-police-chief-550388">Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief</a>

Reports suggest that the UK will be planning to coordinate with the European Union to formally declare Iran’s IRGC a terrorist organisation which would make it a criminal offence to belong to or participate in the group’s activities in Britain.

Notably, this is not the first time that the UK is considering this move. In a press conference, last year, the MI5 chief had said that Iran had planned at least 10 plots to, “kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime,” since the beginning of 2022 alone.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mi5-chief-says-expulsion-of-russian-spies-from-europe-is-a-significant-strategic-blow-to-moscow-534881">UK: MI5 chief says expulsion of Russian spies from Europe is a ‘significant strategic blow’ to Moscow</a> 
 
After Akbari’s execution France also in “full solidarity with the British authorities”, extending their condolences said at the minister’s request summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Paris to “express our outrage”. In a statement, the French government said that they also issued a warning to him and said, “Iran’s repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered, especially when it comes to the treatment of the foreign nationals the country arbitrarily detains.”&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron called the British-Iranian dual national’s execution an “odious and barbaric act.” He added, “His name adds to too long a list of victims of repression and the death penalty in Iran.” Meanwhile, the US State Department also described the execution as politically motivated and unjust while the US ambassador to the UK called it “appalling and sickening”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency.

Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency. This comes after he was accused of “spying” for Britain and was hanged after being convicted of “corruption on Earth” and acting against national security, reported Al Jazeera citing the judiciary’s official news outlet. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and action by the United Kingdom against Iran including sanctions and the temporary withdrawal of their ambassador from Tehran, as it considers branding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation along with the European Union in a reportedly coordinated move. Who is Alireza Akbari? Alireza Akbari was a British-Iranian national who also served as deputy defence minister under ex-defence minister Ali Shamkhani in the former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s administration, from 1997 to 2005. According to an audio recording purportedly from Akbari which was broadcasted by BBC Persian, earlier this week, Akbari also fought in the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s and was among the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as well as had a commanding role in developing Tehran’s strategy during the conflict. ALSO READ | Iran executes British-Iranian national for alleged spying, says report Since the war, he has reportedly been a close ally of Shamkhani who currently serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. A report by CNN citing Shargh Daily said that Akbari was also a member of the organisation that implemented a ceasefire between Iran-Iraq after the war. Furthermore, he also reportedly led the implementation of a United Nations resolution which ended the war in 1988. What was Alireza Akbari accused of by Iran? According to media reports, Akbari stepped down from his position in Iran and eventually moved to the UK where he ran a private think tank and had not been seen in public until his arrest in Iran four years ago. According to a report by BBC Persian, Akbari said he was living abroad before senior Iranian diplomat, Shamkhani, invited him to visit Iran in 2019. Iran’s judicial news agency, Mizan while confirming Akbari’s death penalty accused him of being, “one of the most important agents of the British spy service who collected important information and provided this for the British spy service in a fully informed and targeted manner”. Additionally, they also claimed that the Iranian-British national had been cultivated by the UK when he was seeking and recruited aboard, as per the Guardian. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes Alireza Akbari for being a British Spy According to a report by Reuters, Iranian state media, on Thursday, broadcast a video of Akbari which showed that he played a role in the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh who was allegedly killed in 2020. However, at the time, the authorities in Tehran had blamed the attack on Israel, without providing any evidence. In that video, while the Iranian-British national did not confess to killing the nuclear scientist he said that a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh, as per Reuters. According to Iranian media reports, he was also accused of being paid more than $2 million in various currencies and allegedly provided information to foreign officials about 178 Iranian officials including Fakhrizadeh. Furthermore, when the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed the British-Iranian national’s execution it said that Akbari is being hanged for “harming the country’s internal and external security by passing on intelligence”. It added, “The actions of the British spy service in this case have shown the value of the convict, the importance of his access and the enemy’s trust in him.” Prior to his execution, Akbari had reportedly denied any wrongdoing. He also allegedly said that he was tortured and forced to make false confessions after he was accused of obtaining top-secret intelligence for the British intelligence agency, MI6. Akbari, who was arrested more than three years ago, was reportedly in Evin prison in Tehran where he met other British Iranian dual nationals. ALSO READ | UK sanctions Iran's prosecutor over British-Iranian citizen’s execution “With more than 3,500 hours of torture, psychedelic drugs, and physiological and psychological pressure methods, they took away my will,” said Akbari, as per a report by Reuters, citing the BBC Persian’s audio recording. Furthermore, the former deputy defence minister alleged that Iranian security personnel pressured judges to issue a death penalty against him, “The Supreme Court voted against the death penalty, but the Intelligence Ministry imposed its will by threatening the judge,” reported Reuters citing BBC. Meanwhile, his wife, Maryam told The Guardian, that a decade or so ago Akbari had “formal consultations” with British officials which were well within the scope of his mission, however, his meetings with a university admissions officer, or an estate agent were misinterpreted by intelligence officials as meeting with an agent. She also asserted, “There was no evidence that he was a spy except a confession that was extracted after he was drugged and interrogated for 3,500 hours.” Speaking to the Guardian, Maryam said that he left the government since “public service was no longer possible” and found himself “politically ostracised”. It was then he supposedly decided to leave Iran after which he travelled to Austria and Spain before settling in the UK. How did the UK react to Akbari’s sentence and execution? According to a report by the Guardian, the UK's Foreign Office was aware of Akbari’s case for some time but was only asked to intervene by his family in the last 24 hours when they had exhausted all legal means and political lobbying in Iran had failed. Subsequently, on January 11 the day Akbari was sentenced, the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government to “halt the execution” and called for his immediate release. ALSO WATCH | Iran faces global backlash for Akbari's execution “This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” said Cleverly. After the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed Alireza Akbari’s execution, on Saturday morning, the UK Prime Minister took to Twitter and said that he is “appalled” and called it a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people. My thoughts are with Alireza’s friends and family.” Since then, there has been widespread condemnation of Iran. The UK foreign minister, hours after the execution said, “Iran has executed a British national. This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This will not stand unchallenged. My thoughts are with Alireza Akbari’s family.” The 61-year-old Akbari leaves behind two daughters and a wife who are currently living in the UK. The fallout from Alireza Akbari’s execution In addition to widespread condemnation and criticism, the UK government has since imposed sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze on Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri and the British foreign minister said he “is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty”. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes 2 more men detained amid nationwide protests So far, in what is expected to be a series of steps against Iran, on Saturday, Cleverly said that Britain would temporarily withdraw its ambassador from Iran and is considering further action against Tehran following Akbari’s execution. “It is important to recognise that our response is not necessarily limited to the actions that I’ve announced today,” said the UK foreign minister. The UK had also summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires while the British ambassador to Tehran, Stephen Shercliff, was also summoned by the Iranian authorities for Britain’s “unconventional interventions”. Tehran also reportedly told Shercliff that “decisive action” to protect Iran’s national security will not “depend on the consent of other governments, including England”. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief Reports suggest that the UK will be planning to coordinate with the European Union to formally declare Iran’s IRGC a terrorist organisation which would make it a criminal offence to belong to or participate in the group’s activities in Britain. Notably, this is not the first time that the UK is considering this move. In a press conference, last year, the MI5 chief had said that Iran had planned at least 10 plots to, “kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime,” since the beginning of 2022 alone. ALSO READ | UK: MI5 chief says expulsion of Russian spies from Europe is a ‘significant strategic blow’ to Moscow After Akbari’s execution France also in “full solidarity with the British authorities”, extending their condolences said at the minister’s request summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Paris to “express our outrage”. In a statement, the French government said that they also issued a warning to him and said, “Iran’s repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered, especially when it comes to the treatment of the foreign nationals the country arbitrarily detains.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the British-Iranian dual national’s execution an “odious and barbaric act.” He added, “His name adds to too long a list of victims of repression and the death penalty in Iran.” Meanwhile, the US State Department also described the execution as politically motivated and unjust while the US ambassador to the UK called it “appalling and sickening”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who is Alireza Akbari the British-Iranian dual national executed by Iran for ‘spying’?

Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe.

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo.

"Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet.

He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added.

<h2>WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US</h2>

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During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”.

"It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said.

The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka.

On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war.

This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption.

Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009.

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Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Canadian envoy was summoned by the Sri Lankan government to protest against his country’s decision to impose "unilateral sanctions" on its four citizens, including two former presidents— Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa. The other two citizens who were sanctioned include Staff Sergeant Sunil Ratnayake and Lt Commander Chandana P Hettiarachchithe. Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry expressed displeasure over the move to Canada's Acting High Commissioner in Colombo. "Foreign Minister Ali Sabry summoned the Canadian Acting High Commissioner Daniel Bood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the foreign ministry said in a tweet. He "expressed the deep regret of the Government on the announcement of unilateral sanctions brought against four individuals including two former Presidents of Sri Lanka by the Government of Canada based on unsubstantiated allegations," it added. WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka's former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa leaves for US During the meet, the foreign ministry said that the Canadian government’s decision to impose sanctions was based on domestic political compulsions and added that it sets a “dangerous precedent and is inimical to Sri Lanka's interests”. "It was also stressed that the announcement by Canada is detrimental to the Government's ongoing efforts towards national unity, reconciliation, and stability," it said. The Colombo government asked Canada to review the decision and engage constructively with Sri Lanka. On Tuesday. Canada imposed sanctions on four Sri Lankans for committing what it called "gross and systematic violations of human rights" during the country's civil war. This is the first time that the Rajapaksa brothers were banned by any country despite long held accusations of rights abuses and corruption. Notably, Sri Lanka's majority Sinhalese population had praised the brothers for defeating Tamil separatists after a 26-year civil war, which took place from 1983 to 2009. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka summons Canadian envoy to lodge protest over sanctions against Rajapaksa brothers

Russian oligarch and former owner of the Chelsea football club Roman Abramovich's 10 offshore trusts, holding assets worth billions of dollars, were transferred shortly before he was hit with sanctions. According to a report by the Guardian on Friday (January 6), Abramovich's seven children became the beneficiaries of these offshore trusts.&nbsp;

They acquired the beneficial ownership of the trusts with assets worth at least $4 billion in early February last year, just three weeks before Russia announced its ''special military operation'' in Ukraine. The Guardian report pointed out that the total value of the assets could be much higher than the aforementioned amount.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelseas-ps425-billion-sale-approved-how-much-did-roman-abramovich-pay-to-buy-the-club-in-2003-482138">Chelsea's £4.25 billion sale approved: How much did Roman Abramovich pay to buy the club in 2003?</a>

Through these 10 trusts, they (Abramovich's children) appear to be the ultimate beneficial owners of various trophy assets long linked to Abramovich, including private jets, helicopters, luxury properties and super yachts.&nbsp;

Dubbed the "Oligarch Files" — the Guardian report, citing leaked documents, on Friday said that of Abramovich's seven children,&nbsp;five are adults and the youngest child is nine years old.&nbsp;

"The leaked documents raise questions about whether the changes to trusts were made in an attempt to shield the oligarch’s vast fortune from the threat of asset freezes," the report added.&nbsp;

Sanctions experts told the newspaper that the sweeping reorganisation of Roman Abramovich's trusts can complicate efforts to enforce sanctions against him and lead to more calls for his children to face asset freezes too.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaire-roman-abramovich-suffered-suspected-poisoning-at-peace-talks-says-report-466546">Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich suffered suspected poisoning at peace talks, says report</a>

In March last year, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) governments imposed sanctions on Abramovich for allegedly benefitting from close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The United States has not imposed any sanctions on Abramovich after Ukraine reportedly asked the White House not to do so after he emerged as an unofficial mediator in peace negotiations. However, the US Justice Department seized two of his aircraft last year by saying they were used in violation of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine.&nbsp;

The leaked documents, which appeared to have been obtained through a hack of MeritServus — a Cyprus offshore service provider that administers Abramovich's trusts, showed how the Russian Oligarch used opaque trust structures to shelter his wealth in secretive offshore havens for decades, the report also said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Russian oligarch and former owner of the Chelsea football club Roman Abramovich's 10 offshore trusts, holding assets worth billions of dollars, were transferred shortly before he was hit with sanctions.

Russian oligarch and former owner of the Chelsea football club Roman Abramovich's 10 offshore trusts, holding assets worth billions of dollars, were transferred shortly before he was hit with sanctions. According to a report by the Guardian on Friday (January 6), Abramovich's seven children became the beneficiaries of these offshore trusts. They acquired the beneficial ownership of the trusts with assets worth at least $4 billion in early February last year, just three weeks before Russia announced its ''special military operation'' in Ukraine. The Guardian report pointed out that the total value of the assets could be much higher than the aforementioned amount. ALSO READ | Chelsea's £4.25 billion sale approved: How much did Roman Abramovich pay to buy the club in 2003? Through these 10 trusts, they (Abramovich's children) appear to be the ultimate beneficial owners of various trophy assets long linked to Abramovich, including private jets, helicopters, luxury properties and super yachts. Dubbed the "Oligarch Files" — the Guardian report, citing leaked documents, on Friday said that of Abramovich's seven children, five are adults and the youngest child is nine years old. "The leaked documents raise questions about whether the changes to trusts were made in an attempt to shield the oligarch’s vast fortune from the threat of asset freezes," the report added. Sanctions experts told the newspaper that the sweeping reorganisation of Roman Abramovich's trusts can complicate efforts to enforce sanctions against him and lead to more calls for his children to face asset freezes too. ALSO READ | Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich suffered suspected poisoning at peace talks, says report In March last year, the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) governments imposed sanctions on Abramovich for allegedly benefitting from close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States has not imposed any sanctions on Abramovich after Ukraine reportedly asked the White House not to do so after he emerged as an unofficial mediator in peace negotiations. However, the US Justice Department seized two of his aircraft last year by saying they were used in violation of sanctions on Russia over Ukraine. The leaked documents, which appeared to have been obtained through a hack of MeritServus — a Cyprus offshore service provider that administers Abramovich's trusts, showed how the Russian Oligarch used opaque trust structures to shelter his wealth in secretive offshore havens for decades, the report also said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Roman Abramovich's billion-dollar trusts transferred before sanctions: Report

The European Union said Friday its latest round of sanctions will hit Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as people and groups that are attacking Ukrainian civilians or kidnapping children.

Valdis Dombrovskis, a European Commission vice-president, said the package will deal a blow to 168 “entities” — companies or state organizations — as well as some two dozen individuals.

The ninth package of EU punitive measures against Russia for its war in Ukraine was approved by EU leaders at a summit Thursday. It was formally adopted Friday by written procedure.

European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the package also focuses “on tech, finance and media to push the Russian economy and war machine further off the rails.”

Von der Leyen added that the new sanctions target “almost 200 individuals and entities involved in attacks on civilians and kidnapping children.” Russia’s open effort to adopt Ukrainian children and bring them up as Russian is already well underway, in one of the most explosive issues of the war, an Associated Press&nbsp;investigation&nbsp;has showed.

Full details of the package will be revealed once they are published in the bloc’s legal records.

The targets of the latest recommended sanctions included government ministers, lawmakers, regional governors and political parties. The EU Commission also wanted to hit more Russian banks and to impose export controls and restrictions on products like chemicals, nerve agents, electronics and IT components that could be used by the armed forces.

Von der Leyen also proposed “to ban the direct exports of drone engines to Russia and the export to any third countries, such as Iran, which could supply drones to Russia.”

In addition, the European Commission recommended that EU members take action against Russia’s energy and mining sectors, including with a ban on new mining investments, and that they move to take more Russian TV stations off the air in Europe.

As well as sanctions on various entities, banks and individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of his family, the EU has previously approved an embargo on coal and seaborne oil imports, in close concert with Western allies.

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The European Union said Friday its latest round of sanctions will hit Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as people and groups that are attacking Ukrainian civilians or kidnapping children.

The European Union said Friday its latest round of sanctions will hit Russia’s military-industrial complex, as well as people and groups that are attacking Ukrainian civilians or kidnapping children. Valdis Dombrovskis, a European Commission vice-president, said the package will deal a blow to 168 “entities” — companies or state organizations — as well as some two dozen individuals. The ninth package of EU punitive measures against Russia for its war in Ukraine was approved by EU leaders at a summit Thursday. It was formally adopted Friday by written procedure. European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said the package also focuses “on tech, finance and media to push the Russian economy and war machine further off the rails.” Von der Leyen added that the new sanctions target “almost 200 individuals and entities involved in attacks on civilians and kidnapping children.” Russia’s open effort to adopt Ukrainian children and bring them up as Russian is already well underway, in one of the most explosive issues of the war, an Associated Press investigation has showed. Full details of the package will be revealed once they are published in the bloc’s legal records. The targets of the latest recommended sanctions included government ministers, lawmakers, regional governors and political parties. The EU Commission also wanted to hit more Russian banks and to impose export controls and restrictions on products like chemicals, nerve agents, electronics and IT components that could be used by the armed forces. Von der Leyen also proposed “to ban the direct exports of drone engines to Russia and the export to any third countries, such as Iran, which could supply drones to Russia.” In addition, the European Commission recommended that EU members take action against Russia’s energy and mining sectors, including with a ban on new mining investments, and that they move to take more Russian TV stations off the air in Europe. As well as sanctions on various entities, banks and individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and members of his family, the EU has previously approved an embargo on coal and seaborne oil imports, in close concert with Western allies. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

New EU sanctions target Russian military-industrial complex

South Korea, Japan and the United States are set to coordinate sanctions and close gaps in the international sanctions against North Korea. Watch this video to know more.

South Korea, U.S. and Japan to coordinate sanctions on North Korea

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-deputy-cm-o-panneerselvams-brother-sacked-from-aiadmk-for-anti-party-185356"> O Pannerselvam’s brother</a>, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aiadmk-dmk-protest-over-cauvery-rajya-sabha-adjourned-till-230-pm-185646">the AIADMK</a> following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.&nbsp;

However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here.

O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him.

“If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here.

He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also.

Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added.

“This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said.

Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.”

However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party.

Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative.

“Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said.

The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome.

Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam’s brother, who was sacked last week, was re-inducted into the AIADMK following the “forget and forgive” policy, the ruling party said Wednesday. However, this would not apply to deposed party leaders V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran and they would never be re-inducted, senior AIADMK leader and state Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar told reporters here. O Raja was re-inducted into the party only after he had expressed regret for his action, Jayakumar said but refused to divulge what kind of ‘anti-party activity’ actually prompted the leadership to sack him. “If a sacked party functionary gives a (regret) letter, what the party will do– it will consider his regret and the request for re-induction,” he told reporters here. He was responding to questions on Raja returning to the party fold in just about five days after his expulsion last week and said such things had happened during the time of the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa also. Raja was re-inducted in line with the “forget and forgive policy,” Jayakumar added. “This is not a big issue. He expressed regret and the party took a decision (accordingly to take him back),” the minister said. Raja was removed from all posts and the AIADMK’s primary membership by AIADMK coordinator Panneerselvam and the joint coordinator, chief minister K Palaniswami, on December 19 for “going against the party’s policies and bringing disrepute to it.” However, Raja was re-admitted Monday after he expressed regret for his action in person and through a letter, and requested that he be re-inducted into the party. Asked if such a yardstick applied for Sasikala and her nephew Dhinakaran, Jayakumar replied in the negative. “Anyone other than these two, if they express regret, will be taken back,” he said. The AIADMK has already made it clear that even those siding with Dhinakaran post his fallout with chief minister Palaniswami last year, were welcome to return to the AIADMK, but the leader was not welcome. Post his fallout, Dhinakaran had floated the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

Post ICBM test, US and Asian allies impose new sanctions on North Korea

Moscow has sent India a list of more than 500 products for potential delivery including parts for cars, aircraft and trains, four sources familiar with the matter said, as sanctions squeeze Russia's ability to keep vital industries running.&nbsp;

The list, a version of which has been seen by Reuters in New Delhi, is provisional and it is unclear how many of the items will eventually be exported and in what quantity, but an Indian government source said the request was unusual in its scope.&nbsp;

India is keen to boost trade in this way, said the source, as it tries to narrow a ballooning trade deficit with Russia. Some companies have expressed concern, however, about potentially falling foul of Western sanctions.&nbsp;

An industry source in Moscow, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade asked large companies to supply lists of raw materials and equipment they needed.&nbsp;

The source added that further discussion would be needed to agree specifications and volumes and that the outreach was not limited to India.&nbsp;

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Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Indian foreign and commerce ministries and the prime minister's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

Russia's requests were made weeks ahead of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's visit to Moscow starting Nov. 7, two of the Indian sources said. It was not immediately clear what was conveyed by New Delhi to Russia during the visit.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has not joined Western countries in openly criticising Moscow for the war in Ukraine, and has&nbsp;sharply increased&nbsp;purchases of Russian oil that have cushioned it from some of the impact of sanctions.&nbsp;

During the Moscow&nbsp;visit, Jaishankar said India needed to boost exports to Russia to balance bilateral trade that is now tilted towards Russia.&nbsp;

He was accompanied on the visit by senior officials in charge of agriculture, petroleum and natural gas, ports and shipping, finance, chemicals and fertiliser, and trade - which he said showed the importance of ties with Russia.&nbsp;read more&nbsp;

RUSSIA'S STRUGGLES&nbsp;

Western sanctions have crippled supplies of some crucial products in Russia.&nbsp;

Airlines are experiencing an&nbsp;acute shortage&nbsp;of parts because almost all planes are foreign-made. Car parts are also in demand, with global automakers having left the market.&nbsp;

A source in Russia's car sales industry said the trade ministry had sent a list of car parts needed to corresponding ministries and state agencies in other countries, including India.&nbsp;

The list of items from Russia, which runs to nearly 14 pages, includes car engine parts like pistons, oil pumps and ignition coils. There is also demand for bumpers, seatbelts and infotainment systems.&nbsp;

For aircraft and helicopters, Russia requested 41 items including landing gear components, fuel systems, communication systems and fire extinguishing systems, life jackets and aviation tyres.&nbsp;

Also on the list were raw materials to produce paper, paper bags and consumer packaging and materials and equipment to produce textiles including yarns and dyes, according to the document reviewed by Reuters.&nbsp;

Russian metals producers like nickel and palladium giant&nbsp;Nornickel&nbsp;(GMKN.MM)&nbsp;have said Western sanctions and self-sanctioning by some suppliers have made it difficult for industrial companies to obtain imported equipment, spare parts, materials and technologies in 2022, posing a challenge to their development programmes.

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The list includes nearly 200 metallurgy items.&nbsp;

Russia has been India's largest supplier of military equipment for decades and it is the fourth-biggest market for Indian pharmaceutical products.&nbsp;

But with purchases of Russian oil soaring and coal and fertiliser shipments also strong, India is looking for ways to rebalance trade, the first Indian government source said.&nbsp;

Indian imports from Russia have grown nearly five times to $29 billion between Feb. 24 and Nov. 20 compared with $6 billion in the same period a year ago. Exports, meanwhile, have fallen to $1.9 billion from $2.4 billion, the source said.&nbsp;

India is hoping to boost its exports to nearly $10 billion over coming months with Russia's list of requests, according to the government source.&nbsp;

But some Indian companies are reluctant to export to Russia over fears of being sanctioned by the West, the lack of clarity over payments and challenges to securing insurance.&nbsp;

"There is a hesitancy among exporters ... particularly on sanctioned items," said Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), a body supported by India's commerce ministry.&nbsp;

Sahai, who is aware of Russia's request, said even small- and medium-sized exporters who could meet some of the requests and had previously exported to Iran after Western sanctions, were not enthusiastic.&nbsp;

Large Indian lenders are also&nbsp;reluctant&nbsp;to process direct rupee trade transactions with Russia, months after the mechanism was put in place, for fear of being sanctioned.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Moscow has sent India a list of more than 500 products for potential delivery including parts for cars, aircraft and trains, four sources familiar with the matter said, as sanctions squeeze Russia's ability to keep vital industries running.

Moscow has sent India a list of more than 500 products for potential delivery including parts for cars, aircraft and trains, four sources familiar with the matter said, as sanctions squeeze Russia's ability to keep vital industries running. The list, a version of which has been seen by Reuters in New Delhi, is provisional and it is unclear how many of the items will eventually be exported and in what quantity, but an Indian government source said the request was unusual in its scope. India is keen to boost trade in this way, said the source, as it tries to narrow a ballooning trade deficit with Russia. Some companies have expressed concern, however, about potentially falling foul of Western sanctions. An industry source in Moscow, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade asked large companies to supply lists of raw materials and equipment they needed. The source added that further discussion would be needed to agree specifications and volumes and that the outreach was not limited to India. Also read | Police take over the streets of China to prevent Covid demonstrations Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Indian foreign and commerce ministries and the prime minister's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Russia's requests were made weeks ahead of Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's visit to Moscow starting Nov. 7, two of the Indian sources said. It was not immediately clear what was conveyed by New Delhi to Russia during the visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has not joined Western countries in openly criticising Moscow for the war in Ukraine, and has sharply increased purchases of Russian oil that have cushioned it from some of the impact of sanctions. During the Moscow visit, Jaishankar said India needed to boost exports to Russia to balance bilateral trade that is now tilted towards Russia. He was accompanied on the visit by senior officials in charge of agriculture, petroleum and natural gas, ports and shipping, finance, chemicals and fertiliser, and trade - which he said showed the importance of ties with Russia. read more RUSSIA'S STRUGGLES Western sanctions have crippled supplies of some crucial products in Russia. Airlines are experiencing an acute shortage of parts because almost all planes are foreign-made. Car parts are also in demand, with global automakers having left the market. A source in Russia's car sales industry said the trade ministry had sent a list of car parts needed to corresponding ministries and state agencies in other countries, including India. The list of items from Russia, which runs to nearly 14 pages, includes car engine parts like pistons, oil pumps and ignition coils. There is also demand for bumpers, seatbelts and infotainment systems. For aircraft and helicopters, Russia requested 41 items including landing gear components, fuel systems, communication systems and fire extinguishing systems, life jackets and aviation tyres. Also on the list were raw materials to produce paper, paper bags and consumer packaging and materials and equipment to produce textiles including yarns and dyes, according to the document reviewed by Reuters. Russian metals producers like nickel and palladium giant Nornickel (GMKN.MM) have said Western sanctions and self-sanctioning by some suppliers have made it difficult for industrial companies to obtain imported equipment, spare parts, materials and technologies in 2022, posing a challenge to their development programmes. Also read | China willing to build closer partnership with Russia on energy, says Xi The list includes nearly 200 metallurgy items. Russia has been India's largest supplier of military equipment for decades and it is the fourth-biggest market for Indian pharmaceutical products. But with purchases of Russian oil soaring and coal and fertiliser shipments also strong, India is looking for ways to rebalance trade, the first Indian government source said. Indian imports from Russia have grown nearly five times to $29 billion between Feb. 24 and Nov. 20 compared with $6 billion in the same period a year ago. Exports, meanwhile, have fallen to $1.9 billion from $2.4 billion, the source said. India is hoping to boost its exports to nearly $10 billion over coming months with Russia's list of requests, according to the government source. But some Indian companies are reluctant to export to Russia over fears of being sanctioned by the West, the lack of clarity over payments and challenges to securing insurance. "There is a hesitancy among exporters ... particularly on sanctioned items," said Ajay Sahai, director general of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), a body supported by India's commerce ministry. Sahai, who is aware of Russia's request, said even small- and medium-sized exporters who could meet some of the requests and had previously exported to Iran after Western sanctions, were not enthusiastic. Large Indian lenders are also reluctant to process direct rupee trade transactions with Russia, months after the mechanism was put in place, for fear of being sanctioned.

Sanctions-hit Russia asks India for parts for key sectors

Lawmakers in the French parliament have moved a step closer to becoming the first country in the world to enshrine abortion as a constitutional right. Watch full video to know more.

Abortion a constitution right in France soon?

A new diplomatic battle appeared on the horizon on Saturday&nbsp;(November 19) as Poland said it wants to bar Russian delegation from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meet due next month. The OSCE is the world's largest security grouping. Poland currently has the rotating chairmanship of the 57-member bloc. Poland's assertion has angered Russia which has said that this move was "unprecedented and provocative".

On Saturday, Polish foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina replied in the affirmative when asked by AFP whether Moscow was being refused access to the December meeting of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), of which Russia is a member. Ukraine is a member of the grouping too.

Watch | Nord Stream sabotage: European leaders see Russia as main suspect

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Asked earlier whether Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was expected to attend, Jasina said: "We are not expecting a visit by Minister Lavrov to Lodz."

In a statement, the Polish OSCE Chairmanship said "delegations should be adjusted to the current EU regulations and not include persons that are sanctioned by the European Union.

"Following Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine on February 24th a number of Russian nationals were added to the list of sanctioned individuals, including Minister Lavrov."

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Russian foreign ministry has reacted sharply.

"The decision from Poland, which is the acting chairman of the OSCE, to refuse the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov in the OSCE's ministerial meeting in Lodz on December 1-2 is unprecedented and provocative," the foreign ministry said

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A new diplomatic battle appeared on the horizon on Saturday (November 19) as Poland said it wants to bar Russian delegation from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meet due next month.

A new diplomatic battle appeared on the horizon on Saturday (November 19) as Poland said it wants to bar Russian delegation from Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) meet due next month. The OSCE is the world's largest security grouping. Poland currently has the rotating chairmanship of the 57-member bloc. Poland's assertion has angered Russia which has said that this move was "unprecedented and provocative". On Saturday, Polish foreign ministry spokesperson Lukasz Jasina replied in the affirmative when asked by AFP whether Moscow was being refused access to the December meeting of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), of which Russia is a member. Ukraine is a member of the grouping too. Watch | Nord Stream sabotage: European leaders see Russia as main suspect × Asked earlier whether Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was expected to attend, Jasina said: "We are not expecting a visit by Minister Lavrov to Lodz." In a statement, the Polish OSCE Chairmanship said "delegations should be adjusted to the current EU regulations and not include persons that are sanctioned by the European Union. "Following Russia's illegal aggression against Ukraine on February 24th a number of Russian nationals were added to the list of sanctioned individuals, including Minister Lavrov." Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv faces 'critical' power outages amid bombings, winter snows Russian foreign ministry has reacted sharply. "The decision from Poland, which is the acting chairman of the OSCE, to refuse the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov in the OSCE's ministerial meeting in Lodz on December 1-2 is unprecedented and provocative," the foreign ministry said (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russia fumes at Poland for barring it from OSCE meet, terms it ‘unprecedented, provocative’

The United States does not currently have sanctions in place against Russian energy exports to other countries, Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported citing a US State Department official.

The report comes as Russia became India’s top oil supplier in October, and Pakistan is seeking energy supplies from Russia at a discount.

“The United States does not currently have sanctions in place against Russian energy exports to other countries,” a US State Department spokesperson, who has been unnamed, told Dawn.

The spokesperson said that the decision to ban Russian energy imports has been left to the individual countries, hoping that they would take an appropriate decision based on their own circumstances.

“We continue to coordinate with allies and partners, including India and European allies and partners, to mitigate the impact of (President Vladimir) Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine on global energy markets,” the spokesperson added.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Joe Biden launches a fight with big oil

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Meanwhile, India’s import of Russian oil surged in October, making it the highest ever.

According to energy cargo tracker Vortexa, Moscow supplied 935,556 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to India in October.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/third-shot-at-the-white-house-trump-says-will-make-very-big-announcement-on-november-15-532058" hreflang="en">A 3rd shot at White House? Trump to make 'very big announcement' on Nov 15</a>

Russia now makes up for 22 per cent of India's total crude imports, ahead of Iraq's 20.5 per cent and Saudi Arabia's 16 per cent.

Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia had supplied only 36,255 barrels per day of crude oil to India in December 2021, whereas Iraq exported 1.05 million bpd and Saudi Arabia 952,625.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-us-persistently-spreading-a-groundless-rumour-of-arms-dealings-between-it-and-russia-532032">N.Korea claims US spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' with Russia</a>

The increase in Indian imports of Russian oil comes in the aftermath of the western sanctions on Moscow in response to its Ukrainian war.

As the West tried to choke Russian energy supplies, Vladimir Putin decided to diver its export to Asian countries by selling the oil for cheap. India and China reaped the benefits as both became the biggest consumer of Russian oil.

India depends on imports to meet 85 per cent of its petroleum needs. As a result of western sanctions, the prices of oil surged in the international markets, forcing India to look for alternative avenues to quench its oil needs.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States does not currently have sanctions in place against Russian energy exports to other countries, Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported citing a US State Department official.

The United States does not currently have sanctions in place against Russian energy exports to other countries, Pakistan newspaper Dawn reported citing a US State Department official. The report comes as Russia became India’s top oil supplier in October, and Pakistan is seeking energy supplies from Russia at a discount. “The United States does not currently have sanctions in place against Russian energy exports to other countries,” a US State Department spokesperson, who has been unnamed, told Dawn. The spokesperson said that the decision to ban Russian energy imports has been left to the individual countries, hoping that they would take an appropriate decision based on their own circumstances. “We continue to coordinate with allies and partners, including India and European allies and partners, to mitigate the impact of (President Vladimir) Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine on global energy markets,” the spokesperson added. Watch | Gravitas: Joe Biden launches a fight with big oil Meanwhile, India’s import of Russian oil surged in October, making it the highest ever. According to energy cargo tracker Vortexa, Moscow supplied 935,556 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to India in October. Also read | A 3rd shot at White House? Trump to make 'very big announcement' on Nov 15 Russia now makes up for 22 per cent of India's total crude imports, ahead of Iraq's 20.5 per cent and Saudi Arabia's 16 per cent. Before the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia had supplied only 36,255 barrels per day of crude oil to India in December 2021, whereas Iraq exported 1.05 million bpd and Saudi Arabia 952,625. Also read | N.Korea claims US spreading a groundless 'rumour of arms dealings' with Russia The increase in Indian imports of Russian oil comes in the aftermath of the western sanctions on Moscow in response to its Ukrainian war. As the West tried to choke Russian energy supplies, Vladimir Putin decided to diver its export to Asian countries by selling the oil for cheap. India and China reaped the benefits as both became the biggest consumer of Russian oil. India depends on imports to meet 85 per cent of its petroleum needs. As a result of western sanctions, the prices of oil surged in the international markets, forcing India to look for alternative avenues to quench its oil needs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

As India becomes top importer of Russian oil, US says not planning sanctions

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