White House: "US to Announce Additional Sanctions on Russia This Week"

by Cho Seulkina

Published 05 Apr.2022 06:05(KST)

Updated 22 Mar.2023 14:06(KST)

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The Joe Biden administration confirmed that it will unveil a new package of sanctions against Russia, which invaded Ukraine, later this week.

According to CNN and others, Jake Sullivan, White House National Security Advisor, stated in a briefing on the 4th (local time), "We expect additional sanctions to be announced this week." He also mentioned that military support measures for Ukraine will be disclosed together. He emphasized, "The Ukrainians are bravely defending their homeland," and "The United States will continue military, humanitarian, and economic support."

Regarding the additional sanctions, he added that energy-related sanctions are also being discussed with European allies. Local media reported that secondary sanctions against countries continuing trade with Russia or sanctions targeting Russian minerals, transportation, and financial sectors are being considered.

The White House also emphasized its position to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for war crimes. Sullivan said, "We will discuss responsibility with our allies," and explained, "This could be addressed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) or elsewhere." Earlier, international outrage has continued as hundreds of civilians were found killed in Bucha, a city north of Kyiv, revealing horrific acts by Russian troops.

On the same day, U.S. President Joe Biden also referred to Russian President Putin as a "war criminal" in this context and urged that he be brought to a war crimes trial. He said, "We must collect all the details so that a war crimes trial can take place," adding, "This person (Putin) is cruel, and what happened in Bucha is so shocking, and everyone has seen it."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense analyzed that about two-thirds of the Russian troops initially deployed around Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine (Kyiv), have been moved elsewhere. Many are gathered in Belarus and are expected to be redeployed to other areas through future reorganization. It was also confirmed that the majority of battalion tactical groups remain in Ukraine, and the risk of airstrikes on Kyiv still persists.