Additionally, the U.S. plans to implement nearly 100 new export restrictions to block shipments of certain items to Russia, signaling a strong warning to exporters about the consequences of facilitating such deliveries. These sanctions also seek to diminish Russia’s energy profits and bolster support for democracy advocates worldwide.
Biden also urged the House to approve a $95 billion national security supplemental, with over $60 billion designated for supporting Ukraine, particularly for replenishing U.S. weapons supplies already sent to aid Ukraine’s defense. The president highlighted Ukraine’s dire need for more resources to counter Russia’s assaults, noting the involvement of arms and ammunition from Iran and North Korea in bolstering Russian attacks.
Despite these sanctions, Russia has maintained control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including regions seized in 2014. Russian military forces have demonstrated resilience, with significant casualties but also tactical victories, such as the recent capture of Avdiivka. The Kremlin aims to outlast the unity of Western nations supporting Ukraine.
Navalny’s death last week, while serving a nearly 20-year sentence on politically motivated charges, has been attributed to Putin by Biden and Navalny’s supporters. Navalny, who had survived an assassination attempt by poisoning in 2020, returned to Russia in 2021 and continued to criticize the Russian government and Putin from prison. His death has been condemned internationally, with Biden meeting Navalny’s widow and daughter and vowing to impose sanctions in response.