US Imposes Sweeping Sanctions Against Russia, Targets Over 500 People and Entities

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks to the media, following his meeting with late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s widow and daughter in San Francisco, California, U.S., February 22, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

(Reuters) -The United States on Friday issued sweeping sanctions to mark the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, targeting over 500 people and entities as Washington seeks to increase pressure on Moscow.

The measures targeted the Mir payment system, Russian financial institutions and its military industrial base, sanctions evasion, future energy production and other areas. They also included officials involved in the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Treasury and State departments said in statements.

The action seeks to hold Russia to account over the war and the death of Navalny, U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement, as Washington looks to continue to support Ukraine even as it faces acute shortages of ammunition and U.S. military aid has been delayed for months in Congress.