Joe Biden announced that the U.S. is imposing 500 new sanctions against Russia’s military capabilities and those responsible for imprisoning Putin critic Alexei Navalny, who died in prison earlier this month.
Biden said the sanctions were payback for Navalny’s death.
“These sanctions will target individuals connected to Navalny’s imprisonment as well as Russia’s financial sector, defense industrial base, procurement networks, and sanctions evaders across multiple continents,” Mr. Biden said.
“They will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home.”
Biden added he is also imposing 100 export restrictions on entities that are providing “backdoor” support for Russia.
The Washington Times reported:
The U.S. and Western nations have imposed crippling sanctions on Russia over its war on Ukraine, only to see Moscow find end-runs around the restrictions or new global partners to keep its economy afloat. In his statement, Mr. Biden insisted Mr. Putin “miscalculated badly” when he launched the war nearly two years ago with hopes of a quick victory.
“He believed that he could easily bend the will and break the resolve of a free people. That he could roll into a sovereign nation, and the world would roll over. That he could shake the foundations of security in Europe and beyond,” Biden said.
Biden said Putin confronted a determined Ukraine, and NATO is “stronger, larger, and more united than ever.”
Despite Biden’s claims, there are apparent signs Ukraine is losing the war.
Biden recently said Ukraine is “running out of ammunition” and will be unable to defend itself against Russian forces.
He also blasted the Republican-led House for failing to take up a Senate-passed bill for $60 billion in aid for Ukraine.
To date, the U.S. has already sent $75 billion to Ukraine.
Some lawmakers said it does not make sense to throw more money at the country as there is s no clear plan for a Ukrainian victory.
However, Biden defended the package, saying it would bolster the U.S. industrial base and send a critical message to Putin.
“History is watching,” he said.
“The failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will not be forgotten. Now is the time for us to stand strong with Ukraine and stand united with our Allies and partners.”
If Putin “does not pay the price for his death and destruction, he will keep going,” Biden added.
“And the costs to the United States — along with our NATO Allies and partners in Europe and around the world — will rise.”
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