NEW YORK, Dec 13: The United States has intensified its efforts to isolate Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, announcing a barrage of new sanctions targeting entities and individuals globally. The move, disclosed by the US Departments of State and the Treasury on Tuesday, involves designating over 250 individuals and entities across various nations, including Turkey, China, and the United Arab Emirates. The sanctions specifically target activities related to sanctions evasion, weapons procurement, and key sectors such as energy and mining.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the impact of these measures, noting, “The Kremlin has steadily turned Russia into a wartime economy, but Putin’s war machine cannot survive on domestic production alone.” Yellen explained that the sanctions aim to tighten control on third-country suppliers and networks providing essential resources to Russia's military-industrial base.

The US Treasury outlined that the recent round of sanctions includes entities and individuals involved in weapons procurement for Russia. Among them are four entities and nine individuals located in China, Russia, Hong Kong, and Pakistan. Additionally, the sanctions extend to individuals connected to Russia's energy sector, crucial for Kremlin revenue. Notably, companies contributing to the development of a significant natural gas processing facility in northwestern Russia, to be operated by Gazprom, are also affected.

The announcement coincided with the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, DC, where he sought additional military aid from the US. The request comes at a time when conservative lawmakers in the US have questioned ongoing support for Ukraine. Opposition to assistance has mounted in both the US and Europe, particularly after a highly anticipated counteroffensive failed to yield significant gains, and the conflict persists with no clear resolution.

Russian officials have expressed confidence in outlasting Western support for Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials argue that continued assistance is crucial for the security interests of their nation and its allies. The geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, with the US taking assertive measures to curtail support for Russia and address the complex situation in the region.