US steps up Russia sanctions

The U.S Department of the Treasury bulding is seen in Washington, Nov. 18, 2024. The U.S Treasury Department announced that it is expanding sanctions against the Russian energy sector for it's nearly three-year old war in Ukraine. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)

WASHINGTON—The US Treasury Department said Wednesday that it’s expanding the web of sanctions on companies and institutions supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, redesignating about 100 entities for sanctions and placing sanctions on 15 new entities.

A senior Treasury Department official said that under the sanctions any company that does meaningful business with parts of Russia’s military industrial complex would also face the risk of penalties.

The official insisted on anonymity to preview the announcement on a call with reporters.

The official said that removal of the sanctions would require congressional notification.

That step could potentially make it harder for the incoming Republican Trump administration to adjust and change sanctions without drawing public scrutiny.

The official stressed that there are new sanctions on 15 companies related to Russia and China that have worked together to avoid existing sanctions.

China, too

Treasury is sanctioning the following Russian companies as being involved in this scheme: Herbarium Office Management, Atlant Torg, Sigma Partners, Tranzaktsii I Raschety, Arctur and Paylink Limited. It’s also sanctioning Russian national Andrei Prikhodko, the general director of Herbarium.

There are also sanctions on China-based companies, including Anhui Hongsheng International Trade and Qingyuan Fo Feng Leda Supply Chain Service.