United States and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Last updated

Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. on December 21, 2022 Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. on December 21 2022.jpg
Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. on December 21, 2022

The United States has supported Ukraine during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. After it began on 24 February 2022, President Joe Biden condemned the invasion, provided military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus. [1] [2]

Contents

In 2022, Congress approved more than $112 billion to help Ukraine in its war with Russia. At the end of 2023, the Biden administration requested $61.4 billion more for Ukraine for the year ahead. [3] On 20 April 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $95 billion aid package to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. [4]

The United States has provided more than half of all military aid to Ukraine, and has set aside $175 billion to help the country. [5] Most of this money stays in the US economy and supports US industries, subsidizing the production of weapons and military equipment in at least 71 American cities. [5] [6] There are several ways by which the US provides military and financial aid to Ukraine. Most of the military aid is old American weaponry and equipment from US reserve stockpiles; Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) allows the president to order the sending of this weaponry. American military contractors are then funded to make weapons to re-fill stockpiles. [6] The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds the US Department of Defense to help train and advise the Ukrainian military, as well as to procure weaponry and equipment. [6] The State Department's Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program helps allies like Ukraine buy weaponry and equipment from American manufacturers. [6] Lastly, the US also sends some direct financial aid to the Ukrainian government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). [6]

The Biden administration also imposed limits on the supply and use of some American weapons. For more than two years, it forbade Ukraine to fire American weapons, like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), at military targets inside Russia. [6] From June 2024, it allowed Ukraine to strike inside Russia with US-supplied weapons, but only near the border in self-defense. [7]

History

US President Biden gives his remarks on the Russian invasion of Ukraine

As it has been reported, the Biden administration got information on a potential Russian invasion as early as March 2021, at the time of large Russian military exercises.[ citation needed ] The US attempted to deter Russia from invading, among other, by proposing US - Russia summit, and meeting with Russian officials in November 2021 and January 2022. The efforts failed. [8]

Strategy

Biden and Zelenskyy hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House, December 21, 2022 Joint press conference President Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.jpg
Biden and Zelenskyy hold a press conference in the East Room of the White House, December 21, 2022

Since the start of the Russian invasion in 2022, US President Joe Biden has articulated a cautious US strategy towards the war. The goals were to mitigate the risk of escalation into a direct US-Russia confrontation while hindering Russia's military success. Biden administration emphasized sustained support "for as long as it takes" to assist Ukraine's defense efforts. However, these are coupled with a focus on avoiding actions that could be construed as provocative by Russia and potentially leading to a wider war. [8]

This cautious approach prioritizes limiting US risks of getting militarily involved while leaving the primary burden of repelling the invasion on Ukraine. Political scientist Kori Schake characterizes this strategy as exhibiting a "vulnerability of US support", arguing that the self-imposed limitations on US assistance, compared to Russia's aggression not limited by any boundaries, create a significant strategic advantage for Russia. [8]

While this US strategy has been static for 2 years of war, the situation on the battlefield was changing with time. Eventually, static US strategy encountered its limitations. As the war enters its third year (as of April 2024), the battlefield situation evolved towards a stalemate and towards increased concerns that a persistent and determined Russian offensive could ultimately achieve its objectives. [8]

In May 2023, Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev accused the United States of involvement in Ukrainian attacks inside Russia. [9]

Biden and Zelenskyy at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., July 11, 2024 President Joe Biden shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO Summit in Washington, D.C. on 11 July 2024 (cropped).jpg
Biden and Zelenskyy at the 2024 NATO Summit in Washington, D.C., July 11, 2024

The Biden administration reportedly told Ukraine to stop attacking oil refineries in Russia, believing it would raise world energy prices and bring more aggressive Russian retaliation. [10] The US also expressed concern at a Ukrainian drone strike against a Russian nuclear early-warning radar, believing that it could dangerously unsettle the Russian government. [11]

In May 2024, Biden gave Ukraine permission to strike targets inside Russia adjacent to the Kharkiv region of Ukraine using American-supplied weapons. [12] On August 9, 2024, U.S.-supplied HIMARS rocket system destroyed a convoy of Russian troops in the Kursk Oblast of Russia in what Russian milbloggers described as one of the bloodiest attacks of the entire war. [13] [14]

In September 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation for attacks on Russian territory with weapons supplied by the United States and its NATO allies. [15] [16] U.S. officials did not believe that Ukraine had enough ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles to alter the course of the war, according to The New York Times. [17] On November 17, 2024, the Biden administration authorized the use of long-range ATACMS missiles for military targets inside mainland Russia. [18] [19]

Aid to Ukraine

After the start of Russian invasion, US president Joe Biden has committed to aid Ukraine for "as long as it takes". However US strategy's goals, aiding Ukraine and at the same time preventing Russian escalation, were contradicting each other. This contradiction "produced a repetitive cycle of Ukraine pleading for systems Washington denied, allies (particularly the United Kingdom) moving forward without the United States, the Biden administration bowing to public criticism and international pressure and slowly relenting, providing the systems months and even years later than when they would have been most effective". [8] US military aid, per historian Phillips O'Brien, were "systems of limited range and defensive purpose". The delay in delivering weapons and ammunition resulted in Russian construction of defenses in late 2022 and early 2023. [8]

The US president said the U.S. military would not fight Russia in Ukraine, but would defend every inch of NATO territory. [20] On March 16, Biden announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. security assistance committed to Ukraine to $2 billion since the start of the Biden Administration. [21]

In August 2023, the Biden administration approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine F16 - RIAT 2009 (3841110244).jpg
In August 2023, the Biden administration approved the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

On February 26, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Ukraine would be provided with an additional $350 million in military aid to strengthen their defense capabilities. [22]

The United States Agency for International Development, along with United Nations agencies, provided relief supplies to the Ukrainian people, such as surgery and medical kits, emergency food, thermal blankets and sanitation supplies. The agency provided a total of $107 million in humanitarian aid. [23]

On March 25, 2022, Joe Biden visited Poland near the border with Ukraine. Biden expressed his appreciation for the courage and tenacity of the Ukrainian people, and likened the Ukrainian people's resistance to Russia to the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre. [24]

On April 12, the United States sent $750M in additional military aid to Ukraine, including drones, howitzers and protective equipment to defend against chemical attacks. [25]

On April 24, 2022, an American delegation consisting of American Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Ukrainian president Volodomyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. After the visit US announced $713 million in military financing for Ukraine plus fifteen allied partner nations. [26]

In late April Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives visited Zelensky in Kyiv together with other members of the House of Representatives including Adam Schiff. [27]

On August 1, 2022, the State Department announced $550 million in security aid to Ukraine focused on supplies for HIMARS systems. [28]

A captured US-supplied M1 Abrams main battle tank in Ukrainian service on display at Moscow's Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill, 2024 M1A1 "Abrams" on captured equipment exhibition in Moscow (front-right view).jpg
A captured US-supplied M1 Abrams main battle tank in Ukrainian service on display at Moscow's Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill, 2024

On February 20, 2023, Joe Biden announced a half-billion dollars aid stating that the new aid "package would include more military equipment, such as artillery ammunition, more javelins and howitzers. [29]

The United States marked the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2023, with $2 billion in arms for Kyiv. The United States also plans to announce $250 million in aid to bolster Ukraine's energy infrastructure against Russian attacks. [30] Rep. Chris Stewart of Utah, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said as long as US resources were used wisely, the American people will continue to support aid. He said NATO members must also honor their pledge to spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense. "Most of them have not done that except for a few of the smaller countries," Stewart said. "The American people also look at this and go, ‘This is in Europe’s backyard. They should be at least as invested in this as we are.’ And I don't know that we can assure them right now that that's the case." [31]

In May 2023, the United States said it would provide a $300 million arms shipment for Ukraine. This also included "air defense systems and tens of millions of rounds of ammunition". [32]

On July 6, 2023, President Biden approved the provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine. [33]

On August 17, 2023, the U.S. approved the transfer of F-16s from the Netherlands and Denmark to Ukraine after the Ukrainian pilots have completed their training. [34]

NATO Eastern border reinforcement

Biden stated that 800 US soldiers will be transferred from Italy to the Baltic region, eight F-35 fighter jets will be transferred from Germany to Eastern Europe, and that 32 Apache helicopters will be transferred from Germany and Greece to Poland. [35] [36] The president said the U.S. military would not fight Russia in Ukraine, but would defend every inch of NATO territory. [20]

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of about 7,000 additional troops to Europe. [20]

Sanctions on Russia and Belarus

Imposing economic sanctions on Russia was and is one of main elements of Biden's strategy after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Biden administration believed that economic sanctions would damage Russia more than military engagement. However, sanctions "have been much less successful" than the US strategy "anticipated and required", and have failed to impede Russia from continuing its war. [8]

The National Emergencies Act and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), authorize the president to regulate international commerce by declaring a national emergency in response to any unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States. This is accomplished through the power to impose international sanctions on foreign countries and their citizens. By designating a country, a corporation or individual this way, the United States seeks to leverage the global use of the United States dollar and its regulation by the United States Department of the Treasury for its foreign policy.

During the Presidency of George W. Bush, the repression of opposition to the incumbent Alexander Lukashenko regime during the 2006 Belarusian presidential election led to the declaration of international emergency with Executive Order 13405 of June 16, 2006. During the Presidency of Barack Obama, the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation was impetus to declare an emergency in Ukraine through Executive Order 13660 of March 6, 2014.

The emergencies in both Belarus and Ukraine have been continued by Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden through an annual letter to Congress. Each president has issued further Executive Orders affecting the scope of emergency measures and naming individuals, companies and governments as responsible and sanctioning them.

In addition, the Russia–United States relations have been strained through a number of incidents involving espionage and cyberwarfare by Russia. With Executive Order 13694, President Obama declared an emergency regarding "Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities" without initially naming Russia, but eventually naming the GRU, FSB, and related entities responsible and sanctioning them.

Treasury sanctions under the Biden administration

Taking office in 2021, President Joseph Biden cited the Russian bounty program, 2020 United States federal government data breach and 2020–2021 Belarusian protests to enhance previous sanctions programs against the Russia and Belarus authorized under Presidency of Barack Obama and Presidency of Donald Trump. Each Executive Order is written pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act authority granted to the President to designate individuals as deemed necessary.

In 2021, President Biden signed four Executive Orders creating sanctions. Two targeted the Russian Federation and one targeted Belarus:

January–February 2022: outbreak of war, introduction of new sanctions

President Joe Biden signing Executive Order 14065 in the Oval Office. P20220221ES-0298-1 (51974425940).jpg
President Joe Biden signing Executive Order 14065 in the Oval Office.

In late-January 2022, major Russian military units were relocated and deployed to Belarus under the auspices of previously planned joint military exercises to be held in February that year. [43] Ukrainian and American officials believed that Russia attempted to use Belarus as a platform for an attack on Ukraine from the north, due to the close proximity of the Belarusian–Ukrainian border with the city of Kyiv. [44] [45] [46] [47]

On 19 January 2022, United States President Joe Biden said his "guess" was that Russia "w[ould] move in" to Ukraine but Putin would pay "a serious and dear price" for an invasion and "would regret it". [48] [49]

On February 21, 2022, following the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk republics, President Putin ordered additional Russian troops into Donbas, in what Russia called a "peacekeeping mission". [50] [51] [52] In immediate response, the Biden administration issued Executive Order 14065, prohibiting all trade with the breakaway Donetsk People's Republic or Luhansk People's Republic. The Bureau of Industry and Security issuing new Export Administration Regulations effective February 24. [53] [54]

On February 22, 2022, the United States declared the Russian advance into the Donbass an "invasion." [55] The Biden administration and OFAC announced the blocking of property under E.O. 14024 for notable members of the Russian government including Alexander Bortnikov of the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration of Russia Sergey Kiriyenko. State-backed bank Promsvyazbank and its CEO Petr Fradkov were also cited; the Russian state development corporation VEB.RF as well. Over forty subsidiaries to Promsvyazbank and VEB.RF were named to the list, as were five ships owned by Promsvyazbank: one roll-on/roll-off cargo ship, two tankers and two container ships. The Biden administration described this as the "first tranche" of sanctions. [56] [57]

On February 23, 2022, an unidentified senior U.S. defense official was quoted by Reuters saying that "80 percent" of Russian forces assigned and arrayed along Ukraine's border were ready for battle and that a ground incursion further into Ukraine could commence at any moment. [58] On the same day, the Ukrainian parliament approved the decree of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the introduction of a state of emergency. [59] On February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin announced that he had made the decision to launch a "special military operation" in eastern Ukraine. [60] [61] Russian forces launched missile attacks against targets across Ukraine shortly afterward. [62]

Following the attacks, White House announced an expansion of its sanctions programs. [63]

Today, the United States, along with Allies and partners, is imposing severe and immediate economic costs on Russia in response to Putin’s war of choice against Ukraine. Today’s actions include sweeping financial sanctions and stringent export controls that will have profound impact on Russia’s economy, financial system, and access to cutting-edge technology. The sanctions measures impose severe costs on Russia’s largest financial institutions and will further isolate Russia from the global financial system. With today’s financial sanctions, we have now targeted all ten of Russia’s largest financial institutions, including the imposition of full blocking and correspondent and payable-through account sanctions, and debt and equity restrictions, on institutions holding nearly 80% of Russian banking sector assets.

— "Fact Sheet: Joined by Allies and Partners, the United States Imposes Devastating Costs on Russia" February 24, 2022

The Biden administration widened the E.O. 14024 sanctions program list to target major Russian corporations in the banking, defense, and energy sector. Designated corporations included Otkritie FC Bank, Rostec, Sovcombank, VTB Bank, Sberbank, Alfa-Bank, Credit Bank of Moscow, Gazprombank, Russian Agricultural Bank, Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Transneft, Rostelecom, RusHydro, Alrosa, Sovcomflot, and Russian Railways.

More Russian government officials and oligarchs were sanctioned, including senior government official Sergei Ivanov, Secretary for the Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev, Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin, and banker Yuri Soloviev. [64]

The Office of Foreign Assets Control also announced the imposition of further E.O. 14038 sanctions against Belarus in retaliation for allowing Russia to use its territory to launch attacks on Ukraine, including state-owned banks, defense and security industry, and defense official including the Belarusian Minister of Defense, Viktor Khrenin. [65] [66]

On February 25, 2022, the United States Department of the Treasury and United States Department of State announced the most direct sanctions on the government and military of the Russian Federation by putting sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu and first Deputy Defence Minister Valery Gerasimov. [67] [68] [69]

In a joint public statement on February 26, 2022, with the leaders of the European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and Canada, the United States committed to tighten sanctions even further including removal of Russian banks from the SWIFT messaging system, measures to stop the use of reserves to undermine the impact of sanctions, ending the sale of golden passport, and coordinating efforts to "ensure the effective implementation of our financial sanctions." [70] [71] [72] [73]

On February 28, 2022, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and its CEO Kirill Dmitriev were added to the E.O. 14024 sanctions list. [74]

Dilbar in Barcelona 2017 Dilbar-Barcelona 2017.jpg
Dilbar in Barcelona 2017

March 2022: widening sanctions

On March 3, the United States imposed a mixed set of sanctions on the Russian elite:

In early March 2022, President Biden signed additional Executive Orders dealing with the emergency in Ukraine. Executive Order 14066 of March 8, 2022 prohibited U.S. importation of fossil fuels from the Russian Federation and any new U.S. investment into the Russian energy sector. [80] Executive Order 14068 of March 11, 2022 prohibited U.S. importation of fish, seafood, alcoholic beverages, and non-industrial diamonds from Russia and prohibits U.S. export of luxury goods to the Russian Federation. [81]

On March 11, 2022, OFAC added twenty-six Russians to the E.O. 14024 list. Twelve were members of the Putin government including Yury Afonin, Leonid Kalashnikov, Vladimir Kashin, Ivan Melnikov, Dmitry Novikov, Vyacheslav Volodin, Gennady Zyuganov. Ten were persons connected to VTB Bank, most notably including Olga Dergunova, a Deputy President. Relatives of Dmitry Peskov were added, including his son Nikolay Peskov (a former correspondent for RT) and daughter Elizaveta Peskova, assistant to far-right Aymeric Chauprade, a French Member of the European Parliament. [82] [83] The oligarch Viktor Vekselberg, previously sanctioned in 2018, was re-designated along with his superyacht and Airbus A319-115 jet. [84]

The same round of sanctions also added Dmitry Pantus, Chairman of the State Military-Industrial Committee in the Government of Belarus. [84]

On March 15, 2022, the Department of State designated eleven persons as those "who operate or have operated in the defense and related materiel sector of the Russian Federation economy" including Army general Dmitry Bulgakov and seven fellow Deputies in the Ministry of Defence; Army general Viktor Zolotov, Director of the National Guard of Russia and member of the Security Council of Russia; Dmitry Shugaev the head of Federal Service of Military-Technical Cooperation; and Aleksandr Mikheyev, Director of Rosoboronexport. [85] The same day, the U.S. also renewed sanctions against Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko. It was announced that all property and interests in property owned by the Belarusian President or his wife was now blocked in the country. [86]

On March 24, 2022, OFAC made its largest expansion of the E.O. 14024 list sanctions by number of entities by sanctioning 324 individual deputies of the State Duma as well as the State Duma itself. [87] [88] Added under separate notice were Herman Gref of Sberbank; Tactical Missiles Corporation, its subsidiaries and its General Director; as well as the Russian Helicopters and its subsidiaries, as well as other divisions of Rostec. [89] The same day the State Department published its own additions to the E.O. 14024 list: seventeen persons connected to Sovcombank; billionaire Gennady Timchenko, his companies Volga Group and Transoil. Timchenko's wife, children, business partner and spouse of his business partner were also named. The State Department also named Timchenko's yacht, the Lena as blocked property. [90] [91]

Illustration of a network of front companies used by the Russian Federation to evade United States sanctions. Sanctions-evasion network chart.png
Illustration of a network of front companies used by the Russian Federation to evade United States sanctions.

On March 31, 2022, OFAC publicized the existence of a "procurement network engaged in proliferation activities" operating at the direction of Russian intelligence services. The Office claims that the network of companies, including entities based in Russia, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and Spain was created to procure Western technologies while disguising that the end user was, in fact, the military and intelligence services of the Russian Federation. The companies and their principals were named and sanctioned. [92] [93]

April 2022: sanctions in response to Bucha and alleged war-crimes

Following the retreat of Russian forces the city of Bucha, Kyiv Oblast, witnesses began sharing evidence of atrocities committed during the occupation. Footage showed civilians dead with their hands bound. Other footage showed a dead man next to a bicycle. [94] Journalists entering the city themselves discovered the bodies of more than a dozen people in civilian clothes. [95] CNN, [96] the BBC, [97] and AFP [98] released video documentation of numerous dead bodies of civilians in the streets and yards in Bucha, some of them with tied arms or legs. BBC News said of the 20 bodies on the street, some had been shot in the temple and some bodies had been run over by a tank. [99] On 2 April, an AFP reporter stated he had seen at least twenty bodies of male civilians lying in the streets of Bucha, with two of the bodies having tied hands. [100] [101]

As evidence mounted, US President Joe Biden called for Putin to be tried for war crimes and stated that he supported additional sanctions on Russia. [102] [103] On April 6, a Senior Biden administration official announced that "the sickening brutality in Bucha has made tragically clear the despicable nature of the Putin regime.  And today, in alignment with G7 allies and partners, we’re intensifying the most severe sanctions ever levied on a major economy." [104]

President Biden signed Executive Order 14071 of April 6, 2022, "Prohibiting New Investment in and Certain Services to the Russian Federation in Response to Continued Russian Federation Aggression," prohibiting all U.S. persons' investment or in the Russian Federation. Additionally, E.O. 14071 allows the Secretary of the Treasury to determine "any category of services" to be illegal to export by any United States person to any person of the Russian Federation. [105] [106]

Closing of American airspace to Russian airlines

The European Union and Canada decided on February 27, 2022, to ban Russian airlines from using their airspace. [107] In the March 1, 2022 State of the Union Address, American President Joe Biden announced that the United States "will join our allies in closing off American air space to all Russian flights – further isolating Russia – and adding an additional squeeze –on their economy." [108]

Notice to Air Missions prohibiting Russian flight operations in the territorial airspace of the United States NOTAM - PROHIBITION ON RUSSIAN FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE TERRITORIAL AIRSPACE OF THE U.S.pdf
Notice to Air Missions prohibiting Russian flight operations in the territorial airspace of the United States

The ban went into effect at March 2, 2022, 9:00 am Eastern Standard Time (UTC−05:00). [109] The Federal Aviation Administration's official notice was sent as a NOTAM entitled "Special Security Instructions (SSI) Prohibition on Russian Flight Operations in the Territorial Airspace of the U.S." A prohibition against operating to, from, within, or through U.S. territorial airspace was applied to the following:

Narrow exceptions were allowed for aircraft "engaged in humanitarian or search and rescue operations specifically authorized by the FAA, state aircraft operations granted a diplomatic clearance by the United States Department of State, and aircraft experiencing in-flight emergencies." [110] [111]

In comment accompanying the order United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said, “The United States stands with our allies and partners across the world in responding to Putin’s unprovoked aggression against the people of Ukraine.” [112]

"Freeze and seize" enforcement

The main United States sanctions law, IEEPA, blocks the designated person or entity's assets, and also prohibits any United States person from transacting business with the designated person or entity. Specifically, 50 U.S.C.   § 1705 criminalizes activities that "violate, attempt to violate, conspire to violate, or cause a violation of any license, order, regulation, or prohibition," and allows for fines up to $1,000,000, imprisonment up to 20 years, or both. Additionally, United States asset forfeiture laws allow for the seizure of assets considered to be the proceeds of criminal activity.

On 3 February 2022, John "Jack" Hanick was arrested in London for violating sanctions against Konstantin Valeryevich Malofeev  [ ru; uk; de ], owner of Tsargrad TV. Malofeev is targeted for sanctions by the European Union and United States for material and financial support to Donbass separatists. [113] [114] [115] [116] [117] [118] [a] Hanick was the first person criminally indicted for violating United States sanctions during the War in Ukraine. [120]

According to court records, Hanick has been under sealed indictment in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York since November 2021. The indictment was unsealed March 3, 2022. Hanick awaits extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States. [121] [122]

Footage from the 4 April 2022 seizure of the Motoryacht Tango in Palma de Mallorca from a warrant executed by Guardia Civil, Homeland Security Investigations and Federal Bureau of Investigation
United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announces the seizure of the Motoryacht Tango on 4 April 2022.

In the March 1, 2022 State of the Union Address, American President Joe Biden announced an effort to target the wealth of Russian oligarchs.

Tonight, I say to the Russian oligarchs and the corrupt leaders who’ve bilked billions of dollars off this violent regime: No more.

The United States — I mean it. The United States Department of Justice is assembling a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of the Russian oligarchs.

We’re joining with European Allies to find and seize their yachts, their luxury apartments, their private jets. We’re coming for your ill-begotten gains. [123]

On March 2, 2022, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the formation of Task Force KleptoCapture, an inter-agency effort. The main goal of the task force is to impose the sanctions set against Russian oligarchs to freeze and seize the assets that the U.S. government claimed were proceeds of their illegal involvement with the Russian government and the invasion of Ukraine. [124] [125] [126] [127]

On March 11, 2022, United States President Joseph R. Biden signed Executive Order 14068, "Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression," an order of economic sanctions under the United States International Emergency Economic Powers Act against several oligarchs. The order specifically targeted two properties of Viktor Vekselberg worth an estimated $180 million: an Airbus A319-115 jet and the motoryacht Tango. [128] Estimates of the value of the Tango range from $90 million (U.S. Department of Justice estimate) to $120 million (from the website Superyachtfan.com).

On March 25, 2022, an FBI Special Agent filed an affidavit in support of seizure of the Tango with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The affidavit warrant states probable cause to seize the Tango for suspect violations of 18 U.S.C.   § 1349 (conspiracy to commit bank fraud), 50 U.S.C.   § 1705 (International Emergency Economic Powers Act), and 18 U.S.C.   § 1956 (money laundering), and that the seizure is authorized by American statutes on civil and criminal asset forfeiture. [129] [130]

On April 4, 2022, Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui signed an Order approving the seizure. Judge Faruqui concluded his order stating, "The seizure of the Target Property is just the beginning of the reckoning that awaits those who would facilitate Putin’s atrocities. Neither the Department of Justice, nor history, will be kind to the Oligarchs who chose the wrong side. […] The Department of Justice’s seizure echoes the message of the brave Ukrainian soldiers of Snake Island." [131]

The Civil Guard of Spain and U.S. federal agents of both the United States Department of Justice and United States Department of Homeland Security seized the Tango in Mallorca. A United States Department of Justice press release states that the seizure of the Tango was by request of Task Force KleptoCapture. [132] [133] [134]

U.S. legislation to isolate the Russian Federation

On Friday, April 8, 2022, President Biden signed into law two bills from Congress aimed at isolating the Russian Federation:

Condemnation of Russia

US President Joe Biden issued a statement calling the Russian invasion "unprovoked and unreasonable", and accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of waging a "premeditated war that will result in catastrophic loss of life and human suffering". [140]

On February 28, the United States announced plans to expel twelve Russian diplomats from the Permanent Mission of Russia to the United Nations. [141] [142] The United States Mission to the United Nations told the public,

The United States has informed the United Nations and the Russian Permanent Mission to the United Nations that we are beginning the process of expelling twelve intelligence operatives from the Russian Mission who have abused their privileges of residency in the United States by engaging in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security. We are taking this action in accordance with the UN Headquarters Agreement. This action has been in development for several months.

— Spokesperson Olivia Dalton, Statement on the Decision to Initiate the Expulsion of Russian Diplomats in New York, U.S. Mission to the United Nations

Biden called Putin "a war criminal" in response to reporters' questions on March 16. [143] [144]

Biden additionally condemned Russian oligarchs who had supported Putin, stating that "We are joining with our European allies to find and seize your yachts, your luxury apartments, your private jets. We are coming for your ill-begotten gains." [145] The Biden administration also condemned Putin's decision to place Russia's nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. [146]

In a speech on March 26, Biden declared in a speech that Putin "cannot remain in power". However, the White House later released a statement saying that Biden's "point was that Putin cannot be allowed to exercise power over his neighbors or the region. He was not discussing Putin's power in Russia, or regime change". In response to Biden's statement, the Kremlin stated that whether or not Putin remained in power was the choice of the Russian people. [147] [148]

In a phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Biden called Russia's military activities “unprovoked and unjustified.” [149]

On April 7, 2022, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield appeared before the United Nations General Assembly to join Ukraine in calling for the removal of the Russian Federation from the United Nations Human Rights Council in response to the Bucha massacre. [150]

President Biden's 2023 visit to Ukraine

President Biden visits the war memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 20, 2023. Joe Biden visit to Kyiv 10.jpg
President Biden visits the war memorial for fallen Ukrainian soldiers in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 20, 2023.

Joe Biden made his first visit to Kyiv since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, on 20 February 2023. [151] [152] Only two journalists followed him, having been sworn to secrecy three days previous due to security concerns, and his travel arrangements had not been made public even just before his arrival. [153] Biden's visit received a mixed reaction. [154] [155] [156]

International influence

According to a leaked classified Pakistani cable, at a March 7, 2022 meeting, the U.S. State Department encouraged the Pakistani government to remove Prime Minister Imran Khan from office because of his neutrality on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [157]

Peace proposals and negotiations

Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg (pictured) and Fred Fleitz presented a detailed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Portrait of U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Joseph K. Kellogg.jpg
Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg (pictured) and Fred Fleitz presented a detailed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine.

In March 2023, Secretary of State Antony Blinken rejected China's peace proposal, [158] saying "the world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms". [159]

In January 2024, the Biden administration rejected Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan informed Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov that the United States would not discuss a ceasefire without Ukraine's participation. [160] [161]

Vice President Kamala Harris and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan attended the June 2024 Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland. [162]

During the 2024 United States presidential election, the retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg and Frederick H. Fleitz, who both served in Trump’s National Security Council staff, presented presidential candidate Donald Trump with a detailed plan to end Russia's war in Ukraine. The plan proposes a ceasefire on the current front lines, forcing both Russia and Ukraine into peace talks, and continued arms supplies to Ukraine if it agrees to a ceasefire and peace talks. If Russia did not agree to a ceasefire and peace talks, the United States would increase arms supplies to Ukraine. Ukraine would not have to formally cede the occupied and annexed territories to Russia, but would postpone its plans for NATO membership for a longer period of time, and the territories currently under Russian occupation would remain under de facto Russian control. They told Reuters: "Our concern is that this has become a war of attrition that’s going to kill a whole generation of young men." [163] [164]

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed support for peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. [165] [166] [167]

U.S. public support

In May 2023, 46% of respondents agreed that the US should arm Ukraine, while 29% disagreed. In a poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos and published on October 5, 41 percent of respondents said Washington should arm Ukraine, while 35 percent disagreed. [168]

A poll conducted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute in June 2024 showed that 57% of respondents supported sending military aid to Ukraine, while 32% opposed it. 75% of respondents also agreed that it is important to the United States that Ukraine wins the war, while 17% considered it unimportant. [169] [170]

In a survey of 9,424 adults conducted by the Pew Research Center between July 1–7, 2024, 54% of respondents approved continuing to provide military aid to Ukraine, while 31% disapproved; 54% of respondents also approved allowing Ukraine to use US-made weapons to strike targets inside Russian territory (29% did not approve). 48% of respondents agreed that the United States has a responsibility to defend Ukraine (49% disagreed). [171]

In a poll of 1,565 Americans conducted by YouGov between August 17–20, 2024, 25% of respondents said the United States should increase military support of Ukraine, while 27% believed it should be maintained at the current level. 28% expressed support for decreasing it. [172]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Through Malofeev, Hanick is close to the pro-Russia former Greek defense minister Panos Kammenos and Vladimir Putin gives carte blanche to Tsargrad TV which according to Malofeev is the Russian equivalent to Fox News. [119]

Related Research Articles

Russian oligarchs are business oligarchs of the former Soviet republics who rapidly accumulated wealth in the 1990s via the Russian privatisation that followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The failing Soviet state left the ownership of state assets contested, which allowed for informal deals with former USSR officials as a means to acquire state property.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nikolai Patrushev</span> Russian politician and security officer (born 1951)

Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev is a Russian politician, security officer and former intelligence officer who served as the secretary of the Security Council of Russia from 2008 to 2024. He previously served as the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB) from 1999 to 2008. Belonging to the siloviki faction of president Vladimir Putin's inner circle, Patrushev is believed to be one of the closest advisors to Putin and a leading figure behind Russia's national security affairs. He played a key role in the decisions to seize and then annex Crimea in 2014 and to invade Ukraine in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russia–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

The United States and Russia maintain one of the most important, critical, and strategic foreign relations in the world. Both nations have shared interests in nuclear safety and security, nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and space exploration.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dmitry Peskov</span> Russian politician and diplomat (born 1967)

Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov is a Russian diplomat and the press secretary for Russian president Vladimir Putin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine–United States relations</span> Bilateral relations

The United States officially recognized the independence of Ukraine on December 25, 1991. The United States upgraded its consulate in the capital, Kyiv, to embassy status on January 21, 1992. In 2002, relations between the United States and Ukraine deteriorated after one of the recordings made during the Cassette Scandal revealed an alleged transfer of a sophisticated Ukrainian defense system to Saddam Hussein's Iraq.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russia–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

There are currently no diplomatic or bilateral relations between Russia and Ukraine. The two states have been at war since Russia invaded the Crimean peninsula in February 2014, and Russian-controlled armed groups seized Donbas government buildings in May 2014. Following the Ukrainian Euromaidan in 2014, Ukraine's Crimean peninsula was occupied by unmarked Russian forces, and later illegally annexed by Russia, while pro-Russia separatists simultaneously engaged the Ukrainian military in an armed conflict for control over eastern Ukraine; these events marked the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian War. In a major escalation of the conflict on 24 February 2022, Russia launched a large scale military invasion across a broad front, causing Ukraine to sever all formal diplomatic ties with Russia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russo-Ukrainian War</span> Armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine since 2014

The Russo-Ukrainian War began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas War. These first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents and cyberwarfare. In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and began occupying more of the country, starting the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. The war has resulted in a refugee crisis and tens of thousands of deaths.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List</span> US sanctions list

The Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, also known as the SDN List, is a United States government sanctions/embargo measure targeting U.S.-designated terrorists, officials and beneficiaries of certain authoritarian regimes, and international criminals. The list is managed by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). When individuals are added to the list of Specially Designated Nationals (SDN), their U.S. assets are blocked. Moreover, their names are added to automated screening systems used by banks in the United States and many foreign countries, making it difficult for them to open or hold accounts, transfer money, or transact properties internationally. Any individual or entity that provides support related to terrorism, drug trafficking or unauthorized military use to any person or entity appearing on the SDN list risks being penalized under the USA PATRIOT Act.

International sanctions have been imposed against Russia and Crimea during the Russo-Ukrainian War by a large number of countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union, and international organisations following the Russian annexation of Crimea, which began in late February 2014. Belarus has also been sanctioned for its cooperation with and assistance to Russian armed forces. The sanctions were imposed against individuals, businesses, and officials from Russia and Ukraine. Russia responded with sanctions against several countries, including a total ban on food imports from Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan, the United States, the EU and the United Kingdom.

Events in the year 2021 in Ukraine.

The foreign policy of the Joe Biden administration emphasizes the repair of the United States' alliances, which Biden argues were damaged during the Trump administration. The administration's goal is to restore the United States to a "position of trusted leadership" among global democracies in order to address challenges posed by Russia and China. Both Biden and his Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin have repeatedly emphasized that no other world power should be able to surpass the United States, either militarily or economically. Biden's foreign policy has been described as having ideological underpinnings in mid-twentieth century liberal internationalism, American exceptionalism, and pragmatism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine</span> Period of escalating tension between Russia and Ukraine

In March and April 2021, prior to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces began massing thousands of personnel and military equipment near Russia's border with Ukraine and in Crimea, representing the largest mobilisation since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. This precipitated an international crisis due to concerns over a potential invasion. Satellite imagery showed movements of armour, missiles, and heavy weaponry towards the border. The troops were partially withdrawn by June 2021, though the infrastructure was left in place. A second build-up began in October 2021, this time with more soldiers and with deployments on new fronts; by December over 100,000 Russian troops were massed around Ukraine on three sides, including Belarus from the north and Crimea from the south. Despite the Russian military build-ups, Russian officials from November 2021 to 20 February 2022 repeatedly denied that Russia had plans to invade Ukraine.

Many states, international organizations, and civil society actors worldwide had expressed their reactions to the then-escalating crisis between Russia and Ukraine that started in March 2021. The crisis eventually culminated in a Russian invasion of Ukraine, beginning on 24 February 2022.

The following is a list of events from the year 2022 in Ukraine.

Task Force KleptoCapture is a United States Department of Justice unit established in March 2022 with the goal of enforcing sanctions on Russian oligarchs in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russian disinformation campaigns have occurred in many countries. For example, disinformation campaigns led by Yevgeny Prigozhin have been reported in several African countries. Russia, however, denies that it uses disinformation to influence public opinion.

Following the full declaration of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which started on 24 February 2022, institutions such as the United States, the European Union, and other Western countries introduced or significantly expanded sanctions covering Russian President Vladimir Putin, other government members and Russian citizens in general. Some Russian banks were banned from using the SWIFT international payments system. The sanctions and the boycotts of Russia and Belarus have impacted the Russian economy in various ways. However, sanctions and rising unemployment have contribute to Russian authorities as strategic advantages to boost localization and state conscription, increasing geopolitical fragmentation between third world and western nations enables Russia to exploit global trade networks to secure essential goods.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the People's Republic of China stated that it respects Ukraine's sovereignty but Russia's concerns about enlargement of NATO should also be addressed. It abstained from United Nations votes that condemned the invasion.

This timeline of the prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine covers a period of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine from early 2021 until the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

The term red lines has seen use in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. It is a veiled threat of engagement intended to warn an opponent or observer not to interfere or undertake an action or behavior that would "cross the red line".

References

  1. ↑ Galston, William A. (2022-03-03). "The invasion of Ukraine unites a divided America". Brookings. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  2. ↑ Burch, Audra D. S.; Medina, Jennifer; Ulloa, Jazmine; King, Maya (2022-03-16). "Russia's Attack Rallies a Divided Nation: The United States". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  3. ↑ "Senate fails to advance Ukraine aid despite dire warnings from Biden". NPR. December 6, 2023.
  4. ↑ Cowan, Richard; Warburton, Moira; Zengerle, Patricia (20 April 2024). "US House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate". Reuters. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  5. 1 2 "How Much U.S. Aid Is Going to Ukraine?". Council on Foreign Relations . September 27, 2024.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "How America's Aid to Ukraine Actually Works". Lawfare . July 16, 2024.
  7. ↑ "The West finally allowed Ukraine to strike back at Russia — and it seems to be working". CNN . 15 July 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brands, Hal (2024-04-02). War in Ukraine: Conflict, Strategy, and the Return of a Fractured World. JHU Press. pp. 156–169. ISBN   978-1-4214-4985-2.
  9. ↑ "Putin ally accuses U.S. of involvement in deadly attacks inside Russia". Reuters. 19 May 2023.
  10. ↑ "Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries deepen tensions with U.S." The Washington Post . 15 April 2024.
  11. ↑ "U.S. concerned about Ukraine strikes on Russian nuclear radar stations". The Washington Post . 29 May 2024.
  12. ↑ "Biden secretly gave Ukraine permission to strike inside Russia with US weapons". Politico. 30 May 2024.
  13. ↑ Trevelyan, Mark (9 August 2024). "Russia reinforces Kursk region as video shows evidence of Ukrainian attack". Reuters.
  14. ↑ "Russia sends reinforcements to retake Kursk". The Telegraph. 9 August 2024.
  15. ↑ "Putin's nuclear red line: Does he actually mean it?". Euractiv . 27 September 2024.
  16. ↑ "Putin lowers bar for nuclear strike amid Ukraine attacks: Why it matters". Al Jazeera. 26 September 2024.
  17. ↑ Shear, Michael D.; Sanger, David E. (13 September 2024). "Meeting With Biden, British Leader Hints at Ukraine Weapon Decision Soon". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 13 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  18. ↑ Nakashima, Ellen (2024-11-17). "Biden approves Ukraine's use of long-range U.S. weapons inside Russia, reversing policy". Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  19. ↑ "Trump allies make WW3 warning over Biden missile move in Ukraine". BBC News. 18 November 2024.
  20. 1 2 3 "美国总统拜登：美军不会在乌克兰与俄罗斯交战" [President Joe Biden: U.S. Troops Won't Engage Russia in Ukraine]. news.sina.cn (in Chinese). 2022-02-25. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  21. ↑ "Fact Sheet on U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine". The White House (Press release). 2022-03-16. Retrieved 2022-03-23.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  22. ↑ 林蘭 (2022-02-26). "美國宣布新增3.5億美元軍事援助烏克蘭 助其對抗俄羅斯入侵" [U.S. Announces $350 Million in New Military Aid for Ukraine to Help Fight Russian Invasion]. RFI - 法國國際廣播電台 (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  23. ↑ Darden, Jessica Trisko (14 March 2022). "US aid to Ukraine: $13.6 billion approved following Russian bombardment marks sharp increase". The Conversation. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  24. ↑ "法国报纸摘要 - 拜登将乌克兰民众抵抗俄罗斯喻为中国"天安门"事件" [Biden likens Ukraine's popular resistance to Russia to China's 'Tiananmen Square' incident.]. RFI - 法国国际广播电台 (in Simplified Chinese). 2022-03-26. Retrieved 2022-03-29.
  25. ↑ Ward, Alexander; Desiderio, Andrew (12 April 2022). "U.S. to send $750M in additional military aid to Ukraine". Politico . Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  26. ↑ Lee, Matthew (25 April 2022). "Blinken and Austin Emphasize U.S. Commitment to Ukraine on a Visit to Kyiv". Time . Associated Press. Archived from the original on 2022-04-25. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  27. ↑ "Voorzitter Pelosi van Huis VS sprak Zelensky in Kiev" [U.S. House Speaker Pelosi Spoke to Zelensky in Kyiv] (in Dutch). 1 May 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  28. ↑ Kyiv, U. S. Embassy (2022-08-02). "Biden-Harris Administration Announces $550 Million in New U.S. Military Assistance for Ukraine". U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
  29. ↑ Liptak, Kevin (2023-02-20). "Biden makes surprise visit to Ukraine for first time since full-scale war began". CNN. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  30. ↑ Holland, Steve; Landay, Jonathan; Shalal, Andrea (25 February 2023). "U.S. targets Russia with sanctions, Moscow says measures won't work". Reuters. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  31. ↑ "In Kyiv visit, House Republican says U.S. support for aid to Ukraine is 'overwhelming'". NBC News. Associated Press. April 4, 2023.
  32. ↑ "US announces $300m arms package for Ukraine – with a caveat". The Guardian. afp. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  33. ↑ "Controversy surrounds US decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine". The Hill. July 7, 2023.
  34. ↑ Steve Holland; Idrees Ali (2023-08-17). "US approves sending F-16s to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands". Reuters. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  35. ↑ Myers, Meghann (February 22, 2022). "US attack helos, F-35s and infantry heading to Baltics amid Ukraine invasion". Military Times. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  36. ↑ Ali, Idrees; Stewart, Phil (22 February 2022). "Biden sends troops to Baltics, F-35s to NATO's eastern flank -U.S. Official". Reuters . Archived from the original on 2022-02-22.
  37. ↑ "Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation" 86 FR 20249
  38. ↑ "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 7 May 2021. 86 FR 24691.
  39. ↑ "Publication of Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Directive 1." Publication Date 7 July 2021. 86 FR 35867
  40. ↑ "Blocking Property of Additional Persons Contributing to the Situation in Belarus." 86 FR 43905
  41. ↑ "Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate on Blocking Property with Respect to Certain Russian Energy Export Pipelines". The White House. 2021-08-20. Retrieved 2022-04-08.
  42. ↑ "Blocking Property With Respect to Certain Russian Energy Export Pipelines." 86 FR 47205
  43. ↑ Batashvili, David (30 January 2022). "Geostrategic Activities". Rondeli Russian Military Digest. No. 118. Rondeli Foundation. Archived from the original on 5 February 2022. Retrieved 11 February 2022. Numerous sources indicated Russian troops' movements in various parts of Russia, in Belarus and in occupied Crimea. As a part of these movements, the Russian Eastern Military District's forces continued to enter Belarus ... the Russian forces already inside or moving into Belarus include those from: the 36th Army's ... the 29th Army's ... the 35th Army's ... the 5th Army's ... the Pacific Fleet's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade ... the 76th Air Assault Division's ... the 98th Airborne Division's ... the 11th Air Assault Brigade ...
  44. ↑ Isachenkov, Vladimir (18 January 2022). "Russia sending more troops to Belarus amid rising tensions with Ukraine". Global News . Contribution by Aamer Madhani (Washington D.C.), Geir Moulson (Berlin), Lorne Cook (Brussels), and Yuras Karmanau (Kyiv). Global Television Network. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia could launch an attack on Ukraine from various directions, including from its ally Belarus.
  45. ↑ Newswires (18 January 2022). "US fears arrival of Russian troops could lead to nuclear weapons in Belarus". france24.com. Photograph by AFP. France 24. Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  46. ↑ Isachenkov, Vladimir (19 January 2022). "Russia moves more troops westward amid Ukraine tensions". ABC News. Contribution by Aamer Madhani and Ellen Knickmeyer (Washington D.C.), Geir Moulson (Berlin), Lorne Cook (Brussels), and Yuras Karmanau (Kyiv); Photograph by Associated Press. Moscow: American Broadcasting Company. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022. A senior Biden administration official said the Russian troop deployment to Belarus raises concerns that Moscow may be planning to stage troops there to stretch Ukraine's defenses with an attack from the north.
  47. ↑ Mitchell, Ellen (18 January 2022). "Russia sends troops to Belarus for war games". The Hill . Photograph by Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
  48. ↑ Sanger, David E. (20 January 2022). "Biden Predicts Putin Will Order Ukraine Invasion, but 'Will Regret Having Done It'" . The New York Times . Washington D.C. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 1 February 2022. President Biden said on Wednesday that he now expected President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would order an invasion of Ukraine, delivering a grim assessment that the diplomacy and ... 'The answer is that I think he still does not want a full-blown war, No. 1. No. 2, do I think he'll test the West, test the United States and NATO as significantly as he can? Yes, I think he will, but I think he'll pay a serious and dear price for it that he doesn't think now will cost him what it's going to cost him. And I think he will regret having done it.'
  49. ↑ "Joe Biden thinks Russia will attack Ukraine – but will face a 'stiff price'". The Guardian . 20 January 2022.
  50. ↑ "Putin orders troops into separatist-held parts of Ukraine". CNN. 21 February 2022.
  51. ↑ Philp, Catherine; Wright, Oliver; Brown, Larissa (22 February 2022). "Putin sends Russian tanks into Ukraine". The Times .
  52. ↑ "Putin's Ukraine peacekeepers 'aren't fooling anyone,' US warns". Newsweek . 21 February 2022.
  53. ↑ 87 FR 10293 "Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting Certain Transactions With Respect to Continued Russian Efforts To Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine"
  54. ↑ Bureau of Industry and Security. "Implementation of Sanctions Against Russia Under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR)." published 3 March 2022. 87 FR 12226
  55. ↑ "Russian troops in east Ukraine an 'invasion,' White House declares - National". Global News. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
  56. ↑ "Fact Sheet: United States Imposes First Tranche of Swift and Severe Costs on Russia". The White House. 2022-02-22. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  57. ↑ "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 28 February 2022. 87 FR 11133
  58. ↑ "Putin 'as ready as he can be' for major invasion of Ukraine, U.S. official". Reuters. 23 February 2022.
  59. ↑ "Verkhovna Rada approves move to introduce state of emergency in Ukraine". Ukrinform . 23 February 2022.
  60. ↑ Fisher, Max (2022-02-24). "Putin's Case for War, Annotated". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  61. ↑ "Putin announces formal start of Russia's invasion in eastern Ukraine". Meduza. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  62. ↑ Zinets, Natalia; Vasovic, Aleksandar (2022-02-25). "Missiles rain down around Ukraine". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  63. ↑ "Fact Sheet: Joined by Allies and Partners, the United States Imposes Devastating Costs on Russia". The White House. 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  64. ↑ "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Publication Date: 2 March 2022. 87 FR 11818
  65. ↑ "U.S. Treasury Targets Belarusian Support for Russian Invasion of Ukraine". U.S. Department of the Treasury. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  66. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." published 2 March 2022. 87 FR 11810
  67. ↑ "Russia-related Designations". U.S. Department of the Treasury. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  68. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 3 March 2022. 87 FR 12215
  69. ↑ "Imposing Sanctions on President Putin and Three Other Senior Russian Officials". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  70. ↑ "Joint Statement on Further Restrictive Economic Measures". The White House. 2022-02-26. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  71. ↑ "Press corner". European Commission - European Commission. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  72. ↑ "Joint Statement on Further Restrictive Economic Measures: 26 February 2022". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  73. ↑ "Joint Statement on further restrictive economic measures". Prime Minister of Canada. 2022-02-26. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  74. ↑ "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 3 March 2022. 87 FR 12216
  75. ↑ "Biden imposes sanctions on Russian oligarchs, 'Putin's cronies'". BBC News. 2022-03-03. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  76. ↑ "Daughter of Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin killed in car explosion". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 2022-08-22.
  77. ↑ Sands, Leo (21 August 2022). "Darya Dugina: Daughter of Putin ally killed in Moscow bomb - report". BBC News.
  78. ↑ "Treasury Sanctions Russians Bankrolling Putin and Russia-Backed Influence Actors". U.S. Department of the Treasury. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  79. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 10 March 2022. 87 FR 13793
  80. ↑ 87 FR 13625 "Prohibiting Certain Imports and New Investments With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Efforts To Undermine the Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Ukraine"
  81. ↑ "Prohibiting Certain Imports, Exports, and New Investment With Respect to Continued Russian Federation Aggression." 87 FR 14381
  82. ↑ Taylor, Simon (25 February 2019). "Daughter of Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov working for far-Right French MEP in Brussels". The Telegraph.
  83. ↑ "Daughter of Putin's Spokesman Interns for Far-Right French Member of European Parliament: Report". The Daily Beast . 25 February 2019.
  84. 1 2 Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 17 March 2022. 87 FR 15305
  85. ↑ "U.S. Announces Sanctions on Key Members of Russia's Defense Enterprise". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  86. ↑ Benson, Samuel (15 March 2022). "U.S. sanctions Belarus president, more Russian officials". POLITICO. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  87. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions" Published 31 March 2022. 87 FR 18873
  88. ↑ "U.S. Treasury Sanctions Russia's Defense-Industrial Base, the Russian Duma and Its Members, and Sberbank CEO". U.S. Department of the Treasury. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  89. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 31 March 2022. 87 FR 18857
  90. ↑ "Sanctioning Additional Members of Russia's Duma, Russian Elites, Bank Board Members, and Defense Entities". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  91. ↑ "Targeting Elites of the Russian Federation". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  92. ↑ "Treasury Targets Sanctions Evasion Networks and Russian Technology Companies Enabling Putin's War". U.S. Department of the Treasury. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  93. ↑ Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions." Published 7 April 2022. 87 FR 20505
  94. ↑ "Russia Accused Of Atrocities In Kyiv Suburb Of Bucha". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 3 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  95. ↑ "War in Ukraine: Street in Bucha found strewn with dead bodies". BBC News. 2 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  96. ↑ "En la ciudad ucraniana de Bucha, los cuerpos sin vida yacen en las calles". CNN (in European Spanish). Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  97. ↑ "Ukraine war: Gruesome evidence points to war crimes on road outside Kyiv". BBC News. 1 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  98. ↑ "War in Ukraine: Street in Bucha found strewn with dead bodies". BBC News. 2 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  99. ↑ "Ukraine war: Ukraine investigates alleged execution of civilians by Russians". BBC News. 4 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  100. ↑ "Almost 300 people buried in "mass grave" in Bucha, dozens of bodies found in the streets". Ukrayinska Pravda. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  101. ↑ "At least 20 bodies seen in one street in town near Kyiv". Times of Malta. AFP. 2 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  102. ↑ "Biden calls for war crimes trial after Bucha images surface". CNN. 4 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  103. ↑ "Biden Floats Putin War-Crimes Trial, More Sanctions on Russia". bloomberg.com. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  104. ↑ "Background Press Call by Senior Administration Officials on New Economic Costs on Russia". The White House. 2022-04-06. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  105. ↑ "Prohibiting New Investment in and Certain Services to the Russian Federation in Response to Continued Russian Federation Aggression." 87 FR 20999
  106. ↑ Executive Office of the President of the United States "Prohibiting New Investment in and Certain Services to the Russian Federation in Response to Continued Russian Federation Aggression" Executive Order 14071 of 6 April 2022. published 8 April 2022. 87 FR 20999
  107. ↑ "Europe, Canada close their airspace to Russian airplanes". AP NEWS. 2022-02-27. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  108. ↑ Biden, Joe. Joe Biden's Second State of the Union Address.
  109. ↑ "A ban of Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace has gone into effect". NPR. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  110. ↑ "!FDC 2/9510 ZZZ Part 1 of 2 Security...Special Security Instructions (SSI) Prohibition on Russian Flight Operations in the Territorial Airspace of the U.S." (PDF). faa.gov. Federal Aviation Administration. 2022-03-03. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2022-03-06. Retrieved 2022-04-10.
  111. ↑ "FACT SHEET: The United States Continues to Impose Costs on Russia and Belarus for Putin's War of Choice". The White House. 2022-03-02. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  112. ↑ "U.S. Will Block Russian Aircraft from Using All Domestic Airspace". faa.gov. Federal Aviation Administration. 2022-03-02.
  113. ↑ Dugan, Kevin T. (3 March 2022). "Ex–Fox News Director Indicted for Working With Russian Oligarch". New York (nymag.com). Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  114. ↑ "TV Producer for Russian Oligarch Charged with Violating Crimea-Related Sanctions". United States Department of Justice . 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  115. ↑ Lahut, Jake (4 March 2022). "Ex-Fox News director indicted for allegedly helping a Russian oligarch start pro-Putin Tsargrad TV network: report". Business Insider . Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  116. ↑ Shanahan, Ed; Weiser, Benjamin (3 March 2022). "Ex-Fox News Producer Broke Law With Work for Russian Oligarch, U.S. Says: John Hanick was on Konstantin Malofeev's payroll after Mr. Malofeev's backing of Crimean separatists led to sanctions, an indictment says". The New York Times . Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  117. ↑ Pagliery, Jose (3 March 2022). "Former Fox News Director Jack Hanick Indicted for Helping Russia: FOX HOLE. An American TV producer was arrested in London and now faces criminal charges for working with a sanctioned Russian billionaire. He used to work for Fox News". The Daily Beast . Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  118. ↑ Dickinson, Tim (7 March 2022). "How a Former Fox News Director Landed in Jail for Pushing Putin Propaganda: He fell in love with Mother Russia — and an oligarch's gravy train. But a disregard for sanctions and lying to the FBI could land him in prison for years". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  119. ↑ Weaver, Courtney (16 October 2015). "God's TV, Russian style: Meet Konstantin Malofeev — the devout and fervently pro-Putin founder of Orthodox channel Tsargrad TV". Financial Times . Archived from the original on 14 December 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  120. ↑ Spocchia, Gino (8 March 2022). "Former Fox News director indicted for violating Crimea sanctions and helping Russian billionaire: Justice Department vows end to 'Russian aggression' with first Crimea-linked sanctions violation". The Independent . Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  121. ↑ "Sealed Indictment as to Sealed Defendant 1 (1) count(s) 1, 2. (" (PDF), United States of America v. John Hanick, aka "Hanick" (Court Filing), no. 1:21-cr-00676, Docket 3, Attachment 0, S.D.N.Y., 4 November 2021, retrieved 5 April 2022– via Recap ( PACER current docket view Lock-red-alt.svg)
  122. ↑ "Sealed Indictment as to Sealed Defendant 1 (1) count(s) 1, 2. (" (PDF), United States of America v. John Hanick, aka "Hanick" (Court Filing), no. 1:21-cr-00676, Docket 2, Attachment 0, S.D.N.Y., 4 November 2021, retrieved 5 April 2022– via Recap ( PACER current docket view Lock-red-alt.svg)
  123. ↑ Biden, Joseph R. (1 March 2022). President Biden's State of the Union Address (Speech). Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  124. ↑ Macias, Amanda; Schwartz, Brian (2022-03-02). "Biden administration launches new 'KleptoCapture' task force to go after Russian oligarchs". CNBC. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  125. ↑ "Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Announces Launch of Task Force KleptoCapture". Justice.gov. United States Department of Justice. 2 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  126. ↑ "DOJ's 'KleptoCapture' Unit Will Target Russian Oligarchs". Bloomberg.com. 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  127. ↑ Lynch, Sarah N. (2022-03-02). "U.S. launches 'KleptoCapture' task force aimed at Russian oligarchs". Reuters. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  128. ↑ "Treasury Sanctions Kremlin Elites, Leaders, Oligarchs, and Family for Enabling Putin's War Against Ukraine". Treasury.gov. United States Department of the Treasury. 11 March 2022. Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  129. ↑ "In the Matter of the Seizure of The Motor Yacht Tango, with International Maritime Organization Number 1010703". Justice.gov. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  130. ↑ "Application for a Warrant To Seize Property Subject to Forfeiture" (PDF), In The Matter of the Seizure and Search of the Motor Yacht Tango, with International Maritime Organization Number 1010703 (Court Filing), no. 1:22-sz-00005, Docket 1, Attachment 0, D.D.C., 25 March 2022, retrieved 11 April 2022– via Recap ( PACER current docket view Lock-red-alt.svg)
  131. ↑ "Order as to the Vessel Tango with International Maritime Organization Number 1010703" (PDF), In The Matter of the Seizure and Search of the Motor Yacht Tango, with International Maritime Organization Number 1010703 (Court Filing), no. 1:22-sz-00005, Docket 7, Attachment 0, D.D.C., 25 March 2022, retrieved 11 April 2022– via Recap ( PACER current docket view Lock-red-alt.svg)
  132. ↑ "US seizes yacht owned by oligarch with close ties to Putin". AP NEWS. 2022-04-04. Retrieved 2022-04-04.
  133. ↑ "La Guardia Civil incauta en Mallorca el yate de un oligarca ruso reclamado por EEUU". GuardiaCivil.es (in Spanish). Guardia Civil. 4 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  134. ↑ "$90 Million Yacht of Sanctioned Russian Oligarch Viktor Vekselberg Seized by Spain at Request of United States". Justice.gov. 4 April 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  135. ↑ Roll call vote 132 , via Senate.gov
  136. ↑ Roll call vote 125 , via Clerk.House.gov
  137. ↑ Roll call vote 131 , via Senate.gov
  138. ↑ Roll call vote 124 , via Clerk.House.gov
  139. ↑ "Bills Signed: H.R. 6968 and H.R. 7108". The White House. 2022-04-08. Retrieved 2022-04-09.
  140. ↑ "Biden unveils new sanctions on Russia for "premeditated attack" on Ukraine". CBS News. 24 February 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  141. ↑ "美国驱逐俄罗斯驻联合国使团12名外交官". 美国之音 (in Chinese). March 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  142. ↑ "US expelling Russian diplomats from UN mission in New York". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  143. ↑ "Ukraine conflict: Biden brands Putin a 'war criminal'". BBC News. 2022-03-16. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  144. ↑ "Biden calls Putin a war criminal". NPR. 2022-03-16. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  145. ↑ Kevin Liptak (2 March 2022). "5 takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union speech". CNN. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  146. ↑ "US condemns Putin nuclear deterrence order but cautiously welcomes talks report". The Guardian. 2022-02-27. Retrieved 2022-03-23.
  147. ↑ Kevin Liptak and Maegan Vazquez (26 March 2022). "Biden says Putin 'cannot remain in power'". CNN. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  148. ↑ Neklason, Annika (2022-03-26). "White House attempts to walk back Biden stating Putin can't stay in power". The Hill. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  149. ↑ "Biden, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers condemn Russia for escalation in Ukraine". Washington Post. ISSN   0190-8286 . Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  150. ↑ "UN ousts Russia from Human Rights Council". ABC News. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  151. ↑ Borger, Julian (February 20, 2023). "Joe Biden's train ride to Kyiv makes history but will it win him a second term?". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-02-21.
  152. ↑ Polityuk, Pavel; Hunder, Max (February 20, 2023). "Biden, in Kyiv ahead of war anniversary, vows support as long as needed". Reuters. Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  153. ↑ "Plane, motorcade, train: How Joe Biden got to Kyiv in secret". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  154. ↑ Stein, Chris (2023-02-21). "Republicans criticize Biden's trip to Kyiv as Putin withdraws from nuclear treaty". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  155. ↑ Harding, Luke (February 20, 2023). "'This is a part of history': Kyiv citizens delighted by Joe Biden's surprise visit". The Guardian . Retrieved February 20, 2023.
  156. ↑ Al Jazeera Staff. "How the US reacted to Biden's visit to Ukraine". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 2023-02-25.
  157. ↑ Grim, Ryan; Hussain, Murtaza (2023-08-09). "Secret Pakistan Cable Documents U.S. Pressure to Remove Imran Khan". The Intercept. Retrieved 2023-08-10.
  158. ↑ "Blinken Backs Ukraine's Peace Proposal, Warns Against China's". Bloomberg News . 28 March 2023. Archived from the original on 2024-07-16. Retrieved 2023-04-06.
  159. ↑ Sauer, Pjotr; Davidson, Helen (2023-03-21). "Putin welcomes China's controversial proposals for peace in Ukraine". The Guardian . ISSN   0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2023-04-12. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
  160. ↑ "Exclusive: Putin's suggestion of Ukraine ceasefire rejected by United States, sources say". Reuters. 13 February 2024.
  161. ↑ "US rejects Putin's proposal to cease fire after meeting of mediators – Reuters". Ukrainska Pravda . 13 February 2024.
  162. ↑ "White House says Biden will not attend Ukraine peace summit". Politico. June 3, 2024.
  163. ↑ "Exclusive-Trump handed plan to halt US military aid to Kyiv unless it talks peace with Moscow". SWI swissinfo.ch. 25 June 2024.
  164. ↑ "Trump's Advisers Draw Up Plan to Give Ukraine Twisted Ultimatum". The Daily Beast . 25 June 2024.
  165. ↑ Ward, Alexander (6 November 2024). "Trump Promised to End the War in Ukraine. Now He Must Decide How". The Wall Street Journal.
  166. ↑ Dettmer, Jamie (15 November 2024). "Trump threatens to be good for Ukraine, actually". Politico.
  167. ↑ "Trump's Push for Ukraine Peace Finds Growing Acceptance in Europe". The Wall Street Journal. 17 November 2024.
  168. ↑ Subramanian, Courtney (October 19, 2023). "Biden urges more U.S. military funding for Ukraine, Israel in Oval Office address". Los Angeles Times.
  169. ↑ "2024 Reagan Institute Summer Survey". reaganfoundation.org. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  170. ↑ "Americans believe US should focus more on domestic issues, but support leadership on world stage: poll". foxnews.com. 15 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  171. ↑ "War in Ukraine: Wide Partisan Differences on U.S. Responsibility and Support". pewresearch.org. 2024-07-29. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
  172. ↑ "An increasing number of Americans think Ukraine is winning its war with Russia l". today.yougov.com. 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.