Obama Announces The Most Punishing Sanctions Yet On Russia — Says They'll Have A 'Bigger Bite'

[applegrove]

Obama Announces The Most Punishing Sanctions Yet On Russia — Says They'll Have A 'Bigger Bite'

by Brett LoGiurato at Business Insider

http://www.businessinsider.com/obama-russian-sanctions-ukraine-statement-july-29-2014-7

"SNIP......................


President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced a new round of what he called "major," punishing sanctions on Russia and President Vladimir Putin for the country's continued involvement in destabilizing the crisis in Ukraine and supporting pro-Russian separatists in the country's eastern regions.

"Today is a reminder that the United States means what it says," Obama said during a press conference from the South Lawn of the White House.

Right before Obama spoke, the Treasury Department unveiled the new sanctions. They target Russia's energy, arms, and finance sectors. Obama said the sanctions would have an "even bigger bite" than anything previously unveiled, and they come in coordination with the E.U.

Taken together, they constitute the most extensive sanctions by the U.S. and E.U. on Russia since the end of the Cold War — though Obama said during his press conference that the West and Russia have not entered into "a new Cold War."


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[applegrove]

1. I wonder what the GOP will say. They seem to have gone silent lately.

Probably hoping to coast through the 2014 elections on Obama's current unpopularity.

[moondust]

2. Former ambassador to Russia approves.

Michael McFaul just on Rachel.

(No current ambassador because...do-nothing, obstructionist, unAmerican Republicans.)