US imposes new sanctions against PMC Wagner and Russian Aerospace Forces
The US State Department imposed new sanctions against Russia, with the PMC Wagner being among those affected by the restrictions, according to the US Federal Register.
Subject to restrictions are the following:
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PMC Wagner; and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
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Pavel Shevelin (Russian individual);
- LLC Eltekhnord and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof;
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Rim Yo’ng-hyo’k (aka Rim Yong Hyok) (DPRK individual);
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Russian Aerospace Forces (aka VKS); and any successor, sub-unit, or subsidiary thereof.
What was the reason
The US accused these individuals of violating national legislation on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear weapons, to Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
The decision to apply restrictive measures entered into force on February 27.
US sanctions against the Russian Federation
The US began imposing sanctions against Russia after its occupation of Crimea in 2014. Banks, businessmen, politicians, and leaders of the so-called Russia-backed "DPR" and "LPR" fell under American sanctions.
Over ten years, the American list of sanctions has significantly expanded. The latest US sanctions package against Russia was adopted on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and was published on February 23. According to US President Joe Biden, the new sanctions target more than 500 facilities.
In particular, these sanctions are directed against the leading Russian tanker group Sovcomflot for violating the price cap for Russian oil set by the G7 countries, as well as against 14 oil tankers associated with Sovcomflot.
Yesterday it was reported that US President Joe Biden extended for a year the validity of some decrees regulating the introduction of sanctions against Russia.