The Biden administration is preparing “significant sanctions” against Moscow in response to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei A. Navalny, a White House official said Tuesday.
John F. Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said the sanctions would be announced on Friday. President Biden said there was “no doubt” that Vladimir V. Putin’s government was behind Mr. Navalny’s death.
“Whatever story the Russian government wants to tell the world, it is clear that President Putin and his government are responsible for Mr. Navalny’s death,” Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.
Mr. Kirby declined to describe in detail what would be included in the sanctions package, but said it was designed to “punish Russia for what happened to Mr. Navalny and, quite frankly, for all of his actions along the way.” “To bring justice to this vicious and brutal situation.” War that has been raging for two years now.”
Russian officials said Navalny, 47, lost consciousness and died after taking a walk on Friday in the Arctic prison where he was transferred last year. Russia has announced an investigation into Mr Navalny’s death, but Mr Kirby said on Tuesday that “regardless of the actual scientific answer, Mr Putin is responsible.”
“Unless there is a credible investigation into his death, it is difficult to reach a point where we can simply take the Russians at their word,” he said.
Mr. Navalny’s death came as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine neared the end of its second year and billions of dollars in U.S. aid stalled in Congress. Mr. Navalny, one of Mr. Putin’s harshest critics, also spoke forcefully condemning the invasion.
“Of course, one of the most powerful things we can do right now to stand up to Vladimir Putin is to re-pass the bipartisan national security amendment and help Ukraine continue to fight bravely in defense of its country.” said Mr. Kirby said.
Source link
2024-02-20 19:07:18
www.nytimes.com
