US announces new sanctions on Russian oligarchs it says enable Putin

[Rogue Valley]

US announces new sanctions on Russian oligarchs it says enable Putin

They include sanctions on the Kremlin spokesman.

abcnews.go.com

3.3.22
The U.S. on Thursday announced new sanctions against members of the Russian elite, including Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, and said it would block 19 oligarchs and 47 of their relatives and close associates from traveling to the United States. The United States will sanction Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, as well as one of Russia's richest men, Alisher Usmanov, according to the White House. Germany had already seized Usmanov's superyacht, and the White House said both the boat and Usmanov's private jet -- which it said was one of the largest privately-owned aircraft in Russia -- would be blocked for use in the U.S. or by Americans. "These are significant steps that will impact the people who are closely around President Putin," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters."We want him to feel the squeeze. We want the people around him to feel the squeeze."

Sanctions are not a magical panacea, but probably the best leverage against Russia atm.

 

[poweRob]

US announces new sanctions on Russian oligarchs it says enable Putin

They include sanctions on the Kremlin spokesman.

abcnews.go.com

Sanctions are not a magical panacea, but probably the best leverage against Russia atm.

Germany has seized a giant yacht. France has as well. These oligarchs will be crying soon if they haven't already. Saw one oligarch crying about how he can't go to his Italian villa.

Sanctioned Russian TV Host Cries About Losing His Italian Villa

It’s all fun and games till they seize your Italian villa.

www.thedailybeast.com

 

[MaryP]

Is traveling to the US really at the top of these guys' lists? This one seems weak, a 'me too' by Joe, after France and Germany started confiscating yachts.

 

[Ishm]

Once the decadent west fully blocks russian political 'influencers' from visiting or participating in the decadence you might see some attitudes change. Maybe you van take your megayacht, built in Russia of course, to holiday in North Korea, or Pakistan etc, but I don't think that quite compares to say Italy, or the South of France. Want to take your new young 'wife' on a shopping trip...
Sudan isn't quite New York or Paris. Moscow will become 'dirtville' by comparison as access to international goods dissapears. Having a little celebration? No champagne of course now, but hey Russia makes great wine don't they?

It will take a little time, but if the consolidated west locks the actual Russian leadership out of much of their international lifestyle it's going to hurt. Just keep piling on the bans!

 

[poweRob]

Is traveling to the US really at the top of these guys' lists? This one seems weak, a 'me too' by Joe, after France and Germany started confiscating yachts.

Whatever the US does will be done on the downlow as much as possible. Expecting front page moves by Biden/US would be silly since Putin's threats of nuclear retaliation are directed right at any move we make. Meanwhile, Ukraine is still getting weapons and funding. If we are laundering it through the names of others, so be it.