The Biden Administration announced widespread sanctions against the Russian government including the expulsion of ten diplomats and sanctions against dozens of Russian citizens and companies to punish the country for a series of attacks on the US and allies, the Associated Press reports.
The administration specifically cited the involvement of the Russian spy agency, the SVR, as directly involved in the Solar Winds hack, which compromised the systems of hundreds of US companies and government agencies.
In leveling the sanctions, the Biden administration noted that the actions were taken to punish Russia for multiple episodes of attacks against US interests, including its meddling in US election, putting bounties on US troops in Afghanistan, and its invasion of the Ukrainian territory in Crimea. The sanction will expel the ten diplomats as well as punish 40 entities and individuals who conducted, commanded or oversaw the various actions.
The severe level of sanctions likely signals an abrupt sharpening of Washington’s handling of the Kremlin, which was treated with kid gloves during the Trump Administration, with Donald Trump typically praising and lauding Russian President Vladimir Putin while demeaning US intelligence operations.
“These actions are intended to hold Russia to account for its reckless actions. We will act firmly in response to Russian actions that cause harm to us or our allies and partners,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, adding out an olive branch for future reconciliation: “Where possible, the United States will also seek opportunities for cooperation with Russia, with the goal of building a more stable and predictable relationship consistent with U.S. interests.”