U.S. slaps sanctions on Putin cronies for Russia's 'malign activity' | ReutersWASHINGTON - 7 April 2018: The United States imposed major sanctions on Friday against 24 Russians, striking at allies of President Vladimir Putin in one of Washington's most aggressive moves to punish Moscow for its alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and other "malign activity. President Donald Trump has been under fire for not taking strong action against Russia after a series of diplomatic disputes reminiscent of the Cold War era. The U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions were in response to Russia's "malign activity," including its actions in Ukraine, its support of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war and subverting Western democracies.U.S. Gazprom itself is not under sanctions, but the inclusion of Miller on the blacklist could create complicated legal dilemmas for partner companies. “These companies now are radioactive," he said.The Treasury Department has told investors they have until May 7 to divest any stocks, bonds or other holdings of the Russian companies En+, GAZ,and Rusal .

Source: Egypt Today April 06, 2018 19:30 UTC