U.S. imposes new sanctions targeting Russia and North Korea

The new sanctions primarily target individuals and entities linked to the Russian military and defence sectors, as well as North Korean officials involved in illicit arms trade and cyber operations.

The United States Treasury Department announced a fresh wave of sanctions on 18 September 2024, aimed at countering ongoing threats from Russia and North Korea. These measures come amid escalating tensions in global geopolitics, particularly as both nations have continued to demonstrate defiance against international norms.

In a statement, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen outlined the rationale behind the sanctions, emphasising the U.S. commitment to hold accountable those who undermine international stability. “Our actions today are a clear signal that we will not tolerate the aggressive behaviours exhibited by Russia and North Korea,” Yellen declared. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy to address issues ranging from cybersecurity threats to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The new sanctions primarily target individuals and entities linked to the Russian military and defence sectors and North Korean officials involved in the illicit arms trade and cyber operations. Notably, the sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans for specific individuals identified as key players in these activities.

According to the Treasury, these individuals have played a crucial role in supporting Russia’s military operations in Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. The sanctions also extend to several Russian companies involved in producing military equipment, thereby aiming to disrupt the supply chain that supports these initiatives.

In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions as “yet another hostile act” by the U.S., asserting that such measures would not deter Russia from pursuing its national interests. “We will respond to these unjustified actions in a manner necessary to protect our sovereignty,” the ministry stated, hinting at potential retaliatory measures.

North Korea’s state media similarly denounced the U.S. actions, accusing Washington of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Experts suggest that the North may respond with missile tests or other military demonstrations as a show of defiance.