US gradually lifts personal sanctions on Russian citizens
Photo: Russia and the US (Getty Images)
The US has updated its sanctions list, removing a former senior executive of Russia’s largest bank who was previously blacklisted as part of measures targeting financial support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to the US Department of the Treasury.
Removal from sanctions
The US Treasury officially removed Alexandra Buriko, who formerly served as senior vice president and deputy chairman of the board at Sberbank, from the list of sanctioned individuals. The update was published on the Treasury Department’s website.
Sanctions history
Buryko was initially targeted in May 2022, when Washington expanded the blacklist to include eight senior officials of Sberbank.
At the time, the US Treasury explained that these measures were aimed at restricting the Russian bank’s ability to support military operations against Ukraine.
Sanctions on Sberbank
Sberbank itself has been under US blocking sanctions since April 2022. The restrictions include freezing assets in the US and prohibiting business dealings with American companies and citizens.
The removal of Buriko from the list does not change the status of the bank itself but reflects an update in the Treasury Department’s approach to individual sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two decrees implementing decisions of the National Security and Defense Council on sanctions against Russia. One of these decisions aims to synchronize restrictions with the UK and affects eight individuals and 40 legal entities.
Additionally, the EU has extended its economic sanctions against Russia for another six months, until July 31, 2026. According to the EU Council press service, the decision responds to Russia’s actions, which continue to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. The restrictions cover a wide range of sectors, including trade, finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport, and luxury items.
