US administration to impose new sanctions against companies working with Russia

On Thursday the Trump administration handed a list over to Congress which contains the names of entities which conducts business with Russia.

Administration officials made it clear to lawmakers that they intend to impose sanctions on individuals in the United States and elsewhere who did ‘significant’ business with the Russian entities.

By law, persons who ‘knowingly engage in significant transactions’ with these entities could be subjected to sanctions as soon as 29 January 2018.

The list reads like a who’s who of the Russian defense and intelligence sectors. It includes the United Aircraft Corporation which makes Sukhoi jets and Tupolev passenger airliners; Kalashnikov Concern, which makes the famed assault weapon used around the world; and Rosoboronexport, which is the chief state-owned arms exporter in the country. Russian intelligence agencies like the GRU and FSB were also included.

The sanctions which are expected to take effect as of 29 January 2018 will allow for the revocation of visas of American and foreign citizens who have had ‘substantial transactions’ with the Russian entities from the list.