Mr. Tillerson had personal business dealings with Mr. Sechin. Mr. Tillerson expressed opposition to the sanctions, before they were tightened in late 2014. It was not the first time in recent months that Exxon has drawn attention for its handling of the Russia sanctions. There were signs on Thursday that the penalty could energize the push in Congress for tougher sanctions against Russia. “Today’s news only underscores the urgency for new sanctions on Russia that increase pressure on the country and tighten loopholes in existing sanctions.”

Source: New York Times July 20, 2017 15:22 UTC