Measures and intentions

The elected US President Donald Trump is not going to cancel sanctions against Russia "at least for some time" after his took office. He stated this in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

Trump noted that sanctions can be canceled if Moscow proves its benefits in the fight against terrorism, as well as in achieving other goals that are important for the United States. "If we manage to get along with Russia, and if Russia really helps us, if someone does really good things, then for some reason to maintain sanctions," the elected president said.

In addition, Trump said that he was ready to meet with Vladimir Putin after his inauguration. “I understand that they (Russian authorities. - Ed.) Would you like to meet, and it is completely suitable for me,” he said.

On Friday, the current US President Barack Obama extended for a year of sanctions against Russia, imposed on the situation in Ukraine. This is stated in the notification published on the White House website. At the same time, we are talking about both personal sanctions imposed in March 2014, immediately after the Russian annexation of Crimea, and about sectors, which were introduced in December of the same year . Subsequently, sanctions lists for both types of sanctions have repeatedly expanded.

During the election campaign and after it, Trump repeatedly stated that he intends to improve relations with Russia. Including he criticized the sanctions imposed against Russia. This caused concern in the US Congress. On January 2, a member of the Committee of the House of Intelligence Representatives Democrat Adam Schiff said that the congressmen will give an “energetic answer” if Trump tries to cancel sanctions against Russia. Moreover, both parties will achieve the expansion of sanctions, Shiff noted. “Frankly, although the administration (Obama) did not make a symbolic gesture at all - it was very significant - this is not enough to restrain Russia,” the congressman emphasized.

On January 10, the head of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Policy Benjamin Cardin and a group of senators from both parties introduced a bill on the expansion of sanctions against Russia . The document provides for the introduction of sanctions against anyone who supports cyber attacks against public and private infrastructures of the United States, and also takes part in the operations of Russian Ministry of Defense and intelligence. Senators also insist on assisting Europe in maintaining counter -propaganda and promoting democracy.

In addition, sanctions against Russia for violations of human rights in Syria and east of Ukraine are provided. In addition, senators propose to introduce restrictions on investment in Russian energy projects.