April 22, 2016

April 28, 2014

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Two years ago, on April 28, 2014, the White House, Office of the Press Secretary, released a statement that announced U.S. sanctions against seven Russian government officials and 17 companies in response to “Russia’s continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts that undermine Ukraine’s democracy and threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The following day, on April 29, the European Union also announced a list of 15 people targeted for new sanctions, including Russian officials and Russia’s proxy leaders in Ukraine’s east, bringing the total individuals sanctioned by the EU to 48. Their bank accounts and assets in the EU countries were frozen and they were no longer to be allowed to travel to EU countries.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew also released a statement which underscored that “Russia’s dangerous and inflammatory actions against Ukraine and illegal and illegitimate.” Secretary Lew explained: “Since Russia has refused to follow through on its Geneva commitments, today the United states is following through on its statements – we are imposing additional costs against Russia, including sanctions on individuals in the Russian leadership’s inner circle and 17 entities closely linked to previously sanctioned members of the inner circle. Today’s targeted actions, taken in close coordination with the EU, will increase the impact we have already begun to se on Russia’s own economy as a result of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and from U.S. and international sanctions. Russian economic growth forecasts have dropped sharply, capital flight has accelerated and higher borrowing costs reflect declining confidence in the market outlook. Our goal continues to be for Russia to de-escalate the situation so that additional sanctions are not needed. However, we are resolved to continue to work with our international partners and take the steps required, including action against individuals and entities in specific sectors, if Russia continues to press forward.”

On April 24, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry noted in his briefing: “It has now been a week since the United States, the European Union, Russia and Ukraine met in Geneva. …Every day since we left Geneva – every day, even up to today, when Russia sent armored battalions right up to the Luhansk Oblast border – the world has witnessed a tale of two countries, two countries with vastly different understandings of what it means to uphold an international agreement.”

Secretary Kerry added: “Seven days, two opposite responses, and one truth that cannot be ignored: The world will remain united for Ukraine. …If Russia chooses the path of de-escalation, the international community – all of us – will welcome it. If Russia does not, the world will make sure that the cost for Russia will only grow.”

U.S. President Barack Obama, while in Malaysia as part of his Asian tour, was quoted by The New York Times on April 27 as saying: “The notion that for us to go forward with sectoral sanctions on our own without the Europeans would be the most effective deterrent to Mr. Putin, I think, is factually wrong. …We’re going to be in a stronger position to deter Mr. Putin when he sees that the world is unified. … The goal is not to go after Mr. Putin personally; the goal is to change his calculus, to encourage him to walk the walk, not just talk the talk” as regard diplomacy to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.

David Kramer, at that time president of Freedom House, argued: “While imposing sanctions together with the EU would be nice, the U.S. simply has to lead and not waste more time trying to present a united approach. …It’s easier for us to do so than it is for the Europeans, and they will follow, as long as we lead.”

Source: “U.S. announces new sanctions in response to Russian moves,” The Ukrainian Weekly, May 4, 2014.

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