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The White House Announces New Sanctions Against Russia
The White House has announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, which is set to go into effect following the death of opposition leader Aleksei Navalny in a Siberian prison camp. The administration has stated that the package will be released on Friday, after President Joe Biden’s recent confirmation that he was considering new sanctions.
“We already have sanctions, but we are considering additional sanctions, yes,” Biden said in response to reporters’ questions.
President Biden has also placed blame on Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Navalny, stating that while the US is uncertain about the specifics of what occurred, it is a consequence of the actions taken by Putin and his allies.
The Administration’s Response
The announcement of new sanctions against Russia comes after Russian prison authorities claimed that Navalny felt unwell and became unconscious immediately after a walk. While the US is still investigating the cause of Navalny’s death, White House spokesman John Kirby has emphasized that Putin bears responsibility, regardless of the medical findings.
“Regardless of the scientific answer, Putin’s responsible for it,” Kirby said during a press conference.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of the deceased opposition leader who currently resides outside of Russia, has accused Russian authorities of hiding Navalny’s body and refusing to hand it over to his mother. She also alleged that the Kremlin poisoned Navalny, similar to the incident in 2020 that led to his hospitalization in Germany.
US Commitment to Ukraine
President Biden has used Navalny’s death to call for more aid to Ukraine in response to the indiscriminate violence and attacks on dissent imposed by the Russian state. Biden has urged House Republicans to take action and not shy away from their responsibilities and obligations.
When asked if he believes House Republicans are to blame for Navalny’s death, Biden stated, “I wouldn’t use that term. They’re making a big mistake not responding. Look, the way they’re walking away from the threat of Russia, the way they’re walking away from NATO, the way they’re walking away from meeting our obligations, it’s just shocking. I mean, they’re wild. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
While there are hopes that Navalny’s death will prompt House Republicans to support Ukraine aid, President Biden expressed uncertainty about any actual change.
