The US has imposed sanctions on Russians over the poisoning of opponent leader Alexei Navalny.
The measure targets several Russian entities and government officials. Moreover, it is being agreed with similar moves by the EU, says the US official.
They said US intelligence concluded that the Russian government was behind the nearly fatal nerve agent attack on Navalny. The attack on Navalny happened last year when he was in Siberia.
Navalny is the most elite critic of President Vladimir Putin.
Moscow denies its involvement in his poising and disputes the conclusion. By adding the Western weapon specialist, the nerve agent Novichok was used.
What did the US officials speak?
Seven senior Russian officials and 14 entities involved in biological and chemical were being targeted by sanctions. They said while speaking to the reporters in a conference call and gave no further details.
Russia’s attempt to assassinate Mr Navalny follows a disturbing pattern of chemical weapons use by Russia. Moreover, this came as a statement from one of the administration officials.
By the administration of President Joe Biden, they are the first sanctions imposed on Russia. He has taken a tougher stance than his predecessor Mr Donald Trump towards President Putin.
Mr Biden said he made it clear the days of the US rolling over in the face of Russia’s aggressive actions, cyber-attacks are long gone. He also added issues such as interfering with their elections and poising citizens.
What about the EU?
On Friday, in a coordinated move, the European Union announced that it had targeted four Russian government officials.
They are Alexdendr Kalashnikov, the head of the Russian prison system Alexandr Bastrykin Chairman of the Investigate committee. Along with Viktor Zolotov, head of the National Guard, and Igor Karsnov, the chief prosecutor.
Moreover, the sanctions include a freezing of assets and a travel ban.
Alexei Navalny is an anti-corruption campaigner and is a prominent face of Russian opposition President Putin. 44-year-old Navalny has millions of supporters on social media. He was poisoned during a flight to Siberia, due to which he fell into a coma last August.
