The United States has broadened sanctions targeting the Russian Federation, a move reported by RIA Novosti. The expanded list includes senior government officials and major state-linked entities, underscoring a coordinated approach to pressuring Moscow on multiple fronts.
Included among those sanctioned are Andrei Belousov, deputy prime minister, Oleg Belozerov, chief executive of Russian Railways, and Vladimir Potanin, a prominent businessman with close ties to the state, together with his wife and daughter. Also targeted were Dmitry Chernyshenko, deputy prime minister; Sergei Frank, chairman of Sovcomflot; and deputy finance minister Alexei Sazanov. In total, sanctions were levied against 29 governors and the Krasnoyarsk Territory’s head, Artem Uss’s father, and the Kherson region’s head, Andrey Alekseenko, reflecting a broad sweep across regional leadership.
In a statement, Foreign Minister Antony Blinken criticized these governors for managing citizen appeals in response to Russia’s mobilization order, highlighting the political stakes behind the measures. The sanctions package also singled out several regional leaders, including Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Belgorod; Andrey Vorobyov, Moscow region governor; Alexander Uss, Krasnoyarsk Region head; and Alexander Bogomaz, Bryansk region chief, among others.
From the official sanctions list, key state-connected institutions were named, such as the Ministry of Emergencies for the Donetsk People’s Republic, along with financial players like VTB Bank and its subsidiaries, Rosbank, and the investment house Interros.
US Policy Stance
Washington indicated that the Russian financial system would not be shut down outright. James O’Brien, the sanctions policy coordinator at the State Department, explained that the United States intends to limit disruption by evaluating each bank on its own merits and mitigating potential fallout if operations falter. The approach described is gradual rather than an abrupt decoupling of the entire system.
O’Brien emphasized that the goal is to keep world markets functioning and ensure Russia can still provide essential goods like food, fertilizer, and energy, particularly to the Global South. Simultaneously, the United States intends to deprive Moscow of resources to finance its military actions in Ukraine. He noted that Russia may participate in global markets, but it cannot be the cornerstone of a rules-based order.
Officials anticipate further actions beyond the existing restrictions. The measures are framed as a direct response to Russia’s escalation in Ukraine, with optimism that the European Union will reach a broader agreement in the ninth sanctions package. The White House coordinating team pointed to collaboration with European partners to implement shared objectives.
There is an expectation in Washington that the EU will finalize its ninth package, though some EU ministers have said negotiations will continue. The European Council president highlighted that several member states disagree on the final parameters, and ambassadors will keep talking. In parallel, discussions on gas price controls and joint gas purchases were postponed as energy ministers plan to reconvene in December. The overarching message from the summit stressed solidarity and the need for coordinated, reliable price metrics in energy markets.
As the sanctions process unfolds, policymakers stress that the United States and its allies will adapt their approach, balancing pressure on Moscow with the need to keep global markets stable and avoid unintended damage to civilians and allied economies. The strategy remains anchored in a long view of international security and economic stability across North America and beyond.
At the same time, analysts note the evolving nature of the sanctions regime. Observers are watching how the measures interact with other carrots and sticks, including humanitarian and energy considerations, to shape Moscow’s behavior without triggering broader economic disruption. This complex dance reflects the priority placed on maintaining supply chains while limiting Russia’s capacity to fund its aggression, a theme echoed in ongoing discussions among allied capitals.
[Source attribution: Official briefings and policy statements from government and allied press offices. Specific domestic and international reactions are summarized for clarity and context.]