Topline
The White House announced new sanctions against Russia Friday and other steps the U.S. and G-7 countries are taking to hold the country accountable and provide aid to Ukraine, continuing the U.S.’s aggressive stance against Russia one year after it invaded Ukraine and as it’s believed to be preparing a new military offensive timed to the anniversary.
President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Ukrainian presidential … [+]
Key Facts
The Biden Administration and G-7 countries will impose new sanctions against 200 Russian individuals and entities, including a dozen financial institutions and targeting Russia’s defense, technology and mining sectors.
The Biden Administration also announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine through the Department of Defense, including military equipment and ammunition, which comes on top of a separate aid package Biden announced earlier this week that drew from the U.S.’s existing stock of military equipment.
G-7 countries will target key Russian sectors, including energy, finance, defense and industry, as part of a new ‘enforcement coordination mechanism’ that will initially be overseen by the U.S., although specifics are yet to be announced.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will take new actions to restrict exports of U.S. materials and technologies to Russia, blocking many companies in Russia and allied countries like China from purchasing materials like semiconductors, and will take new steps to block materials from Iranian drones from being used by the Russian military.
The White House will raise tariffs on certain Russian products being imported into the U.S., including metals, minerals, and chemical products, particularly aluminum.
What To Watch For
The war in Ukraine is now entering its second year with no end to the conflict in sight, and Russia has stepped up its attacks against Ukraine in recent days as U.S. and Ukrainian officials have warned Moscow may be preparing a new offensive in the fighting. The White House has vowed to continue its assistance to Ukraine as the conflict continues, with Biden saying in Kyiv Monday the U.S. “will be with [Ukraine]
… for as long as it takes.”
Contra
The White House’s commitment to Ukraine comes even as some Republicans and the U.S. public have become fatigued with the ongoing conflict. Polling shows that support for Ukraine among Americans has declined in the year since the war began, with a Morning Consult poll finding the U.S.’s net favorability rating for Ukraine has dropped nearly 20 points, and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) led 11 House Republicans in introducing a “Ukraine Fatigue” resolution earlier in February, which called for the U.S. to halt its military and financial aid to the country.
Chief Critic
Russian President Vladimir Putin hit back against Biden and other Western critics in a speech on Tuesday after Biden visited Kyiv. “[Western leaders] intend to transform a local conflict into a phase of global confrontation,” Putin said about Biden and other countries’ efforts to help Ukraine. “This is exactly how we understand it all and we will react accordingly, because in this case we are talking about the existence of our country.”
Key Background
The measures announced Friday are part of a slew of Russian sanctions and other measures the U.S. and its allies have taken over the past year to help Ukraine. The White House said Tuesday it had already imposed 2,000 sanctions and more than 300 export restrictions against Russia over the past year, along with visa restrictions on members of the Russian military and significant monetary and military aid provided to Ukraine directly. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressured the U.S. to increase its help even more, however, visiting Washington, D.C., in December and urging Congress to provide additional military aid. Biden made an unannounced visit to Kyiv on Monday to meet with Zelensky and emphasize the U.S.’s “endur[ing]” support, with strong words against Russia and Putin. “When Putin launched his invasion nearly one year ago, he thought Ukraine was weak and the West was divided. He thought he could outlast us,” Biden said. “But he was dead wrong.”
Further Reading
FACT SHEET: On One Year Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, Biden Administration Announces Actions to Support Ukraine and Hold Russia Accountable (The White House)
Biden Makes Surprise Visit To Kyiv Nearly A Year Into Russia’s Invasion (Forbes)
Biden Reportedly Plans $2 Billion Ukraine Aid Package Ahead Of Feared Russian Offensive (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/02/24/us-delivers-more-russia-sanctions-1-year-into-war-heres-what-you-need-to-know/