Russia calls new US sanctions groundless, pledges response

World
Europe

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday that new US sanctions introduced over alleged hacking and illegal oil products supply to the DPRK were groundless, promising a response from Moscow.

In a statement, published on the ministry website, he also said the sanctions were introduced under a “false pretense.”

Russia dismisses Microsoft hacking accusation

The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on two Russians, one Russian company and one Slovakian firm for what Washington said were their actions to help another Russian company avoid sanctions over the country’s malicious cyber-related activities.

Microsoft claimed that hackers linked to Russia's government had tried to target the websites of two right-wing US think tanks, a claim Moscow has denied.

A Microsoft store is pictured in New York City, New York, US, August 21, 2018. /VCG Photo

The US also announced sanctions on two Russian shipping companies and six vessels it said were involved in the transfer of refined petroleum products to the DPRK vessels in violation of UN restrictions.

Lawmakers seek more sanctions on Russia

US lawmakers on Tuesday pushed for more aggressive steps to counteract the Russian “menace,” despite Trump administration officials insisting current sanctions were having an effect and vowing to impose more economic pain if Moscow does not change its behavior.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he would like better ties with Moscow, but although he met Russian President Vladimir Putin last month, relations between the two countries have been further strained.

Members of Congress, where both chambers are controlled by Trump’s fellow Republicans, have called for more action, including introducing new sanctions legislation “from hell,” to punish Russia for Crimea issue, involvement in Syria’s civil war and cyber attacks seeking to influence US elections.

US President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

They held three hearings related to Russia on Tuesday, in the Banking and Foreign Relations committees and a Judiciary counter-terrorism subcommittee. Lawmakers chastised administration officials for doing too little to change Russian behavior.

Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized Trump, particularly after his Helsinki summit with Putin last month, for failing to stand up to Moscow and not fully enacting a sweeping sanctions law passed nearly unanimously a year ago.

Senator Bob Menendez noted that the administration has not designated any new oligarchs for sanctions since April and has eased some sanctions.

Menendez vowed that Congress would act, with or without the administration.

Source(s): Reuters