The US Treasury explained the extension of sanctions against Russia
WASHINGTON, January 26 — RIA Novosti. New US sanctions aim to “pressure” to fully implement the Minsk agreements in Ukraine, said the Minister of Finance of the United States Steven Mnuchin.
USA imposed new sanctions against 21 citizens of Russia and Ukraine, as well as nine companies registered in Ukraine and in Russia. The list, in particular, were high-ranking officials from Russia, the structure of “Surgutneftegaz” and other Russian companies. Another 12 companies sanctions have been clarified. As noted by the U.S. Treasury, the sanctions imposed in connection with the situation in Ukraine.
“The U.S. government is committed to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and is committed to identify those who are trying to undermine the Minsk agreement. Those who provide goods, services or material support to individuals and legal entities under US sanctions for their activities in Ukraine, will be involved in activities that could subject them to sanctions in the United States,” said Mnuchin.
In a release sent to RIA Novosti press release the U.S. Treasury also notes that today’s actions “are part of the obligations of the Ministry of Finance by maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia to fully implement their obligations under the Minsk agreements”.
“These actions underscore U.S. opposition to the Russian occupation of Crimea and decisive rejection to recognize their attempted annexation of the Peninsula. These sanctions followed a recent extension of EU sanctions”, — stated in the release.