U.S. imposes sanctions against 7 Russians, 17 companies linked to Putin

2014-04-28 98

More sanctions for Russia. The U.S. made the announcement on Monday after accusing Moscow of not honoring its agreements in Ukraine.

State Department Spokeswoman Jen Psaki.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESWOMAN JEN PSAKI SAYING:

"Today, this morning, the United States is imposing targeted sanctions on a number of Russian individuals and entities and restricting licenses for certain U.S. exports to Russia. Can Russia still deescalate, and take steps? Absolutely they can. Do we still have a tool box of steps we can take? Absolutely we do, and we're working in close lockstep with the Europeans on this as well."

The sanctions target seven Russian government officials and 17 companies linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They include Igor Sechin, head of a major Russian oil company, and Sergei Chemezov, head of a Russian state-owned high-tech products company.

They are subject to a freeze on any assets they hold in the U.S. and a