US imposes new sanctions on Russian-backed Crimean officials
News Line
Ukraine reports 5,276 new COVID-19 cases Zelensky: Every third Ukrainian considers road construction one of greatest achievements of 2021 Ukraine ready to implement Minsk agreements, but Russia's desire needed - Yermak Michel: EU unanimously agree to roll over economic sanctions against Russia Actions by Ukraine's partners will help prevent worst-case scenario - Zelensky COVID-19 in Ukraine: Health officials confirm 8,899 daily cases as of Dec 17 Macron tells Zelensky he declared support for Ukraine in call with Putin Zelensky, Scholz discuss gas transit through Ukraine after 2024 Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia - Zelensky Ukraine’s only journalist in Russia facing extremism charges - lawyer PM Shmyhal: First two applications for investment projects worth $96 million filed Zelensky, PM of Italy discuss security situation around Ukraine President signs off State Budget 2022 London considering all options for responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine Putin, Biden to hold another round of talks Some 260,000 Ukrainians “victims of human trafficking” over 30 years - prosecutor general Ukraine plans to create center to protect energy infrastructure from cyber attacks No clear idea so far when Normandy Four top diplomats set to meet - German Ambassador Ukraine receives EUR 600M in macro-financial assistance from EU Zelensky holds phone conversation with PM of Israel Ukraine sets new daily COVID vaccination record MFA: European Union has not yet removed Ukraine from list of safe countries Kyiv records 1,023 new COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths G7 ambassadors welcome adoption of law on NABU status Ukraine can increase Covid vaccination rates to 1.5M a week – Liashko

The United States imposed new sanctions on illegitimate Russian-backed Crimean officials and a railroad company linking Crimea to Russia.
“Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated eight individuals and one entity in response to Russia’s continued aggression toward Ukraine and attempted occupation of Crimea,” reads the statement of the U.S. Department of the Treasury released on January 29.

As noted, seven of those individuals were also designated by the European Union. In addition to the United States, Canada designated these same individuals as part of a coordinated action in a strong demonstration of the international community’s continued condemnation of Russia’s interference in Crimean politics. “Additionally, OFAC designated one individual and one entity providing rail services in support of Russia’s efforts to deepen the economic integration of Russia and Crimea. Today’s action demonstrates Treasury’s unwavering commitment to continue holding Russia accountable for its destabilizing activity in Ukraine,” the statement reads.

Thus, the sanctions were imposed on seven officials of the Crimean occupation authorities, including the so-called Prime Minister of the so-called Republic of Crimea, the so-called Acting Governor of Sevastopol, the so-called Chairman of the Legislative Assembly, the so-called Chairman of the Sevastopol Election Commission, the so-called Deputy Chairman of the Sevastopol Election Commission, the so-called Secretary of the Sevastopol Election Commission, the so-called member of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation representing Sevastopol. Moscow-based private railway company Grand Service Express and its CEO, Alexander Ganov, were also designated.

The OFAC added that foreign persons that knowingly engaged in a significant transaction or transactions with the persons designated might themselves face the risk of designation.