US imposes sweeping sanctions on Putin 'cronies,' including spokesman

WASHINGTON

The US announced sweeping sanctions on eight of Russian President Vladimir Putin's "cronies," including Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, and imposed visa restrictions on 19 other individuals in retaliation for Moscow's war on Ukraine.

In addition to Peskov, the Biden administration is imposing sanctions on Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov, whose $600 million mega yacht was seized by Germany on Wednesday, oil magnate Nikolay Tokarev, and construction mogul brothers Boris and Arkady Rotenberg.

Yevgeniy Prigozhin, who was previously sanctioned for alleged election interference in the US, was designated alongside Russian politician Igor Shuvalov, and defense conglomerate owner Sergey Chemezov, according to a White House statement.

In addition to many associated businesses, the individuals' immediate family members were also placed on the US blacklist, as well as Usmanov's private jet.

The Department of State further imposed visa sanctions on 19 Russian oligarchs, and 47 of the family members and "close associates," denying them US entry.

"These oligarchs are known to direct, authorize, fund, significantly support, or carry out malign activities in support of Russia’s destabilizing foreign policy," the White House said.

The Treasury Department is further expected to designate seven Russian entities and 26 Russia and Ukraine-based individuals that are accused of playing "central roles in these organizations, enabling the Government of the Russian Federation’s efforts to spread disinformation and influence perceptions as a part of their invasion of Ukraine."

The entities to be blacklisted include SDN Strategic Culture Foundation and its outlets Odna Rodyna, Rhythm of Eurasia, and Journal Kamerton; SouthFront; SDN InfoRos; New Eastern Outlook; Oriental Review; United World International; and Geopolitical.