Government Releases List Of Russian Oligarchs And Putin-Connected Politicians But Imposes No New Sanctions

The U.S. released a list of prominent figures in Russia, including businessmen and government figures, on Monday night.

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The move, which was a form of punishment in response to Russia’s meddling in the 2016 elections, still didn’t prompt new sanctions against those named on the list. Some are already subject to sanctions.

The list named 114 politicians known to have close ties with Putin and 96 billionaire oligarchs.

Putin responded to the news by saying it was a “hostile step” that would be detrimental to relations between the U.S. and Russia; the Kremlin shortly after said that the list was proof that the U.S. considers the Russian whole government as an enemy.

Still, the Trump administration’s decision to not impose new sanctions is consistent with its unwillingness to displease Russia. In December, The New York Times reported on emails between members of the administration which explicitly proved this. One written by a transition adviser named K. T. McFarland was about his concern that new sanctions implemented by the Obama administration would antagonize the Russian government, “which has just thrown the U.S.A. election to [Trump].”