US set to sanction more Russian oligarchs: report

U.S. officials are preparing to expand sanctions against Russian oligarchs in efforts to ramp up pressure on Russia as its invasion of Ukraine enters its second week. 

The Washington Post and Reuters reported that the new list could include a number of officials and oligarchs sanctioned by the European Union on Monday. 

Among the oligarchs expected to be on the expanded list is iron and steel magnate Alisher Usmanov. Others on the E.U. sanctions list who are yet to be hit by the U.S. include Nikolay Tokarev, the head  energy giant Transneft and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Sources told Reuters on Wednesday that the latest sanctions could be announced this week. 

The Post reported that, unlike the EU sanctions, the US measures will also target families and companies owned by targeted individuals. 

The U.S. Departments of Justice and Treasure announced increased measures Wednesday to aggressively go after sanctioned Russians with assets in the country. 

In a statement, Treasury said it will issue new guidance to cut off avenues Russian officials are using to avoid sanctions. 

“Today’s guidance makes clear that such actions on behalf of Russia’s Central Bank are prohibited, closing off attempts to access the U.S. financial system,” the department said. 

DOJ announced the creation of “KleptoCapture” task force to “seize the assets of individuals and entities who violate these sanctions.” 

“We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those whose criminal acts enable the Russian government to continue this unjust war,” Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said. “Let me be clear: if you violate our laws, we will hold you accountable.”

The Biden Administration said Wednesday that the U.S. is also open to imposing sanctions on Russia’s gas and oil industry as it weighs the potential market impact, Reuters noted.

Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich announced on Wednesday that he plans to sell his share in English Premier League club Chelsea, as he faces possible sanctions from the British government over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.