U.S. puts Ukraine-related sanctions against 34 individuals, entities

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States on Tuesday, December 22, imposed sanctions on 34 individuals and entities as part of its efforts to pressure Russia for its intervention in Ukraine, the U.S. Treasury Department said, according to Reuters.

"Today's steps support the U.S. commitment to seek a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine by maintaining our sanctions on Russia," the Treasury said in a statement.

The U.S. sanctions would not begin to roll back until Russia fully implements its commitments under the Minsk peace agreement, "including the return to Ukraine of control of its side of the international border with Russia," it added.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the measures were a continuation of an "unfriendly stance" toward Russia. In such cases, he said, "a principle of reciprocity prevails."

The Treasury listed different reasons for the latest designations. It said:

- Fourteen had helped previously targeted people and entities evade sanctions;

- Six are Ukrainian separatists, who already were on the EU sanctions lists, accused of activities in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity;

- Two were officials in the government of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich. One was accused of ordering the use of firearms against demonstrators in early 2014 and the other accused of embezzlement;

- Twelve are entities, including three Russian banks, operating in the Crimean region of Ukraine, which was annexed by Russia last year.