Latest US measures target Russian president and his foreign minister over Ukraine invasion

The White House has announced the US plans to join the European Union and UK in sanctioning Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 

White House press secretary Jen Psaki says, “in alignment with the decision by our European allies”, will sanction Putin, Lavrov and “other members of the Russian national security team”. 

But while the UK and EU sanctions on Putin and Lavrov will entail an asset freeze, not a travel ban, Ms Psaki tells reporters the US measures will involve a travel ban.

Psaki says more specific details on the sanctions will be released at a later stage.

Russia Responds

The imposition of sanctions against Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reflect the West’s “absolute impotence” when it comes to foreign policy, RIA news agency has cited a Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman as saying.

Maria Zakharova spoke before Biden announced sanctions against the two men.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier announced similar punitive measures.

Maria Zakharova told Russian TV that relations with the West “have reached the line after which the point of no return begins”.