The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday eased sanctions on Russian intelligence agency FSB put in place by former president Barack Obama last year over accusations that Moscow launched cyberattacks to try to influence the U.S. presidential election. The Treasury Department often issues general licenses such as the one announced on Thursday to help U.S. companies overcome unintended business consequences of sanctions. U.S. intelligence agencies accused the FSB of involvement in hacking of Democratic organizations during the election, won by Republican Donald Trump. In December, Obama ordered the expulsion of 35 Russian suspected spies and put sanctions on two Russian spy agencies. He also sanctioned four Russian intelligence officers and three companies that he said provided material support to Russian cyber operations.

Source: CBC News February 02, 2017 19:38 UTC