Developing story: New economic sanctions have been announced targeting 17 Russian government officials, a weapons trading company, 7 oligarchs and 12 companies affiliated with them. This is the Trump administration’s most aggressive action against these individuals yet. Background from the Washington Post:
“In recent weeks, President Trump’s national security advisers have pushed for more sanctions after the poisoning of a former Russian spy in England, interference in the 2016 U.S. elections and a cyberattack described as the most destructive and costly in history.”
Senior Admin Official says US message to Russia is "actions have consequences," specifically citing repeated Russian interference in the democratic processes of the US and its allies, and propping up Assad regime. But SAO says US sanctions not aimed at the Russian people.
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 6, 2018
BREAKING: US Treasury sanctions numerous Russian oligarchs, gov't officials and companies over "malign activity around the globe" by Russia, including in Ukraine and Syria conflicts, subversion of Western democracies, and malicious cyber activity
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 6, 2018