US Imposes Sanctions On Russia and Expels 10 Diplomats

The United States on Thursday announced economic sanctions against Russia and the expulsion of 10 diplomats in retaliation for what Washington says is US electoral interference by the Kremlin, a massive cyberattack, and other hostile activities.

US President Joe Biden ordered an extension of restrictions on US banks dealing with Russian government debt, expelled 10 diplomats including suspected spies, and sanctioned 32 people who allegedly tried to meddle in the US presidential election. 2020, the White House said.

Biden’s executive order “sends a signal that the United States will impose costs in a strategically and economically shocking manner on Russia if it continues or intensifies its destabilizing international action,” the White House said in a statement.

The statement first listed Moscow’s “efforts to undermine the conduct of free and fair democratic elections and democratic institutions in the United States and its allies and partners.”

This referred to allegations that Russian intelligence agencies mounted persistent disinformation campaigns and dirty tricks during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, in part to aid the candidacy of Donald Trump.

The White House said the sanctions also respond to “malicious cyber activities against the United States and its allies and partners,” referring to SolarWinds’ so-called massive attack on US government computer systems last year.

The statement also drew attention to Russia’s extraterritorial “attacks” on dissidents and journalists and the undermining of security in countries important to US national security.

In addition, the Treasury Department, along with the European Union, Australia, Great Britain, and Canada, sanctioned eight individuals and entities associated with the Russian occupation of Crimea in Ukraine.

In Brussels, the NATO military alliance said that US allies “support and stand in solidarity with the United States, following the April 15 announcement of actions to respond to Russia’s destabilizing activities.”