Death of Navalny: US prepares significant package of sanctions against Russia
Photo: The USA is preparing serious sanctions against the Russian Federation for the death of Alexei Navalny (unian.net)
The United States has announced a significant package of sanctions against the Russian Federation in response to the death of opposition figure Alexei Navalny, stated President Joe Biden.
On Thursday, February 22, the American leader met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya in San Francisco to express his deep condolences to them for the tragic loss following the death of the politician in a Russian prison.
Biden commended Navalny's extraordinary courage and his legacy in the fight against corruption and for a free and democratic Russia, where the rule of law is applied equally to all.
The President emphasized that Alexei's legacy will continue through people across Russia and around the world who mourn his loss and are fighting for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
"The Administration will announce major new sanctions against Russia tomorrow in response to Aleksey’s death, Russia’s repression and aggression, and its brutal and illegal war in Ukraine," the statement reads.
Biden also shared his intentions to impose sanctions on his social media page.
"Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss. Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights," wrote the head of the White House.
Today, I met with Yulia and Dasha Navalnaya – Aleksey Navalny's loved ones – to express my condolences for their devastating loss.
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 22, 2024
Aleksey's legacy of courage will live on in Yulia and Dasha, and the countless people across Russia fighting for democracy and human rights. pic.twitter.com/aiCcgTrws3
Destructive sanctions package
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, Victoria Nuland, also announced the intention to impose new sanctions. During a speech at the Washington Center for Strategic and International Studies, she noted that the US will soon present a destructive package of sanctions against Russia, including "hundreds and hundreds" of new restrictions.
According to Nuland, the new measures will be aimed, in particular, at "closing gaps" in existing sanctions imposed due to the military actions in Ukraine and preventing any attempts to circumvent them.
She added that some of the measures will target those whom the US holds responsible for the death of Navalny in the Polar Wolf colony.
"I'm going to wait and let the White House announce them (the new sanctions package)," Nuland added.
Death of Navalny and Western countries' reaction
On February 16, 47-year-old Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny lost consciousness during a walk in the Arctic penal colony Polar Wolf, where he was serving a three-year sentence. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district reported the politician's death.
Yulia Navalnaya accused Russian dictator Vladimir Putin of the incident.
The United States announced a new package of sanctions against Russia this week in response to the politician's death. The new restrictions will affect its defense industry and reduce export potential.
On February 21, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the leaders of the correctional colony where Navalny passed away.
The European Union also announced a new package of sanctions against Russia in connection with the death of the opposition figure.
