The Biden administration announced a new wave of sanctions Friday targeting Russia’s energy sector, including senior officials from the State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the sanctions cover over 200 entities and individuals, including those involved in Russia’s energy production and export activities, and block more than 180 vessels.
“This wide-ranging, robust action will further constrain revenues from Russia’s energy resources and degrade (President Vladimir) Putin’s ability to fund his illegal war against Ukraine,” Blinken said.
The State Department has sanctioned nearly 80 entities and individuals, including those engaged in liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and export, efforts to expand oil production capacity, and those supporting the US-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project, and also include senior officials in Rosatom and those linked to Russia’s metals and mining sectors.
The Treasury Department said it imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, targeting oil giants Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, over 180 vessels, oil traders, service providers, insurance firms, and energy officials to hinder Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The Treasury also restricted the provision of US services for oil extraction and production in Russia.
The United Kingdom joined the US in targeting Russia’s energy sector, marking a coordinated effort with G7 and other allies against Moscow.
The move comes just 10 days before Blinken and President Joe Biden leave office, with Donald Trump due to take office on Jan. 20. Trump has suggested he is likely to take a more Russia-friendly approach and also said he could end the Ukraine war quickly.
