US imposes sanctions against Russian oligarchs

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on several Russian entities it accuses of profiting from Moscow's alleged efforts to undermine western democracies. 

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said, the sanctions have been imposed on seven Russian businessmen, twelve companies owned by them and 17 senior government officials. Mr Mnuchin said, the penalties targeted those profiting from Russia's corrupt



system. 

He said, the move was a response to Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential elections. Mr Mnuchin said, the sanctions are also being imposed because of the actions taken by the Kremlin in Crimea, eastern Ukraine and Syria.

Russia described the new sanctions as a new blow to Russia-US relations, adding that Moscow would respond firmly to the move.