U.S. President Joe Biden signed a decree imposing new sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Thie corresponding statement was published by the White House press service.
“The Biden administration has been clear that the United States desires a relationship with Russia that is stable and predictable. We do not think that we need to continue on a negative trajectory. However, we have also been clear—publicly and privately—that we will defend our national interests and impose costs for Russian Government actions that seek to harm us,” the statement reads.
Thus, the restrictive measures were a response to the the SolarWinds Malicious Cyber Activity.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated six Russian technology companies that provide support to the Russian Intelligence Services’ cyber program for operating in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. In addition, Treasury issued a directive that prohibits U.S. financial institutions from participation in the primary market for ruble or non-ruble denominated bonds issued after June 14, 2021 by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation; and lending ruble or non-ruble denominated funds to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation.
Additionally, Treasury sanctioned 32 entities and individuals carrying out Russian government-directed attempts to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and other acts of disinformation and interference. The United States has also expelled ten personnel from the Russian diplomatic mission in Washington, DC, including the representatives of Russian intelligence services.
Finally, in partnership with the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, Treasury sanctioned eight individuals and entities associated with Russia’s ongoing occupation and repression in Crimea.