Prior to the G7 gathering - The United States unveils fresh penalties on Russia.
Right before the G7 summit in Italy, the United States unveiled a fresh sanctions package to retaliate against Russia's hostilities towards Ukraine. The sanctions targeted over 300 individuals and entities that aided Russia in continuing the conflict, Washington officials proclaimed on Wednesday. This list also encompassed Chinese businesses.
As disclosed by the US State Department, these individuals and entities comprised those who assisted Russia in circumventing sanctions and producing materials for the battlefield. The US is also wary of the scale and extent of Chinese exports that support Russia's military sector. Within the latest sanctions were also those responsible for the abduction and re-education of Ukrainian children.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, stated that the United States would persist in utilizing all possible means to hinder networks sustaining Russia's military industry and bar Russia from employing the international financial system to wage war.
Unheralded sanctions enforced
Russia invaded Ukraine about two years ago, during late February 2022, and has since engaged in a major assault against its neighbor. The West has enforced extraordinary sanctions on Russia in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine, including extensive trade limitations and export controls to separate the Russian war apparatus from essential items required for combat.
The ongoing Russian war against Ukraine is on the agenda at the assembly of the leaders of seven major industrial nations (G7), occurring in southern Italy from Thursday. The G7 alliance consists of Italy, Germany, France, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
The announcement of the new sanctions coincided with US President Joe Biden's journey to Italy, slated to arrive late Wednesday evening. For the EU, Council President Charles Michel and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are taking part in the summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is invited as a guest.
Last year, the US administration announced new sanctions against Russia during the G7 summit in Japan, making it harder for Moscow to acquire goods necessary for the battlefield.
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- The G8 summit, which typically includes Russia, was expected to take place this year, but has been postponed due to the ongoing sanctions against Russia by the G7 nations.
- The new sanctions package from the US targets Italian businesses as well, in response to their continued support of Russian entities involved in the War of aggression against Ukraine.
- The United States, alongside its G7 allies, has been pushing for a strong stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine, with the US State Department calling upon China to enforce its own sanctions against Russian entities involved in the conflict.
- At the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be present as a guest, seeking international support and solidarity in the face of Russia's aggression.
- The US President Joe Biden is expected to attend the G7 summit, using the platform to reinforce the US's commitment to imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine in its fight against the war.
- The US is urging its allies and China, in particular, to join forces in enforcing the sanctions package, as the War in Ukraine has spilled over into other global conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
- Washington has warned that any country, including China, that continues to support or aid Russia in its war efforts against Ukraine, will face consequences from the US and the international community.
