Thu Jan 16 09:10:00 UTC 2025: ## US Expands Sanctions on Entities Supporting Russia’s War in Ukraine

**Washington D.C.** – The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Wednesday, January 15th, a significant expansion of sanctions targeting companies and entities aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The action re-designated approximately 100 entities under existing sanctions and imposed sanctions on 15 new entities.

A senior Treasury official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that companies with substantial dealings with components of Russia’s military-industrial complex also risk penalties. The official emphasized that lifting sanctions requires Congressional notification, a process intended to make it more difficult for future administrations to easily alter or reverse the measures.

The newly sanctioned entities include six Russian companies – Herbarium Office Management, Atlant Torg, Sigma Partners, Tranzaktsii I Raschety, Arctur, and Paylink Limited – along with Andrei Prikhodko, the general manager of Herbarium. Nine Chinese companies were also sanctioned for allegedly collaborating to circumvent existing sanctions. These are: Anhui Hongsheng International Trade, Qingyuan Fo Feng Leda Supply Chain Service, Heilongjiang Shunsheng Economic and Trade Development, Qingdao Hezhi Business Service, Xinjiang Financial Import and Export, Hangzhou Xianghe Trading, Shaanxi Hongrun Jinhua Trading, Fujian Xinfuwang International Trade, and Jilin Province Shunda Trading Company. Finally, Keremet Bank of Kyrgyzstan was also sanctioned for allegedly assisting Russian officials and a U.S. bank in evading sanctions.

The Treasury Department highlighted that recent shifts in the global oil market make it easier to target Russia’s oil revenues without jeopardizing global supply, furthering the Biden administration’s commitment to pressuring Russia. This latest round of sanctions follows a similar expansion targeting Russia’s energy sector last week. The sanctions were enacted in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which prompted a wave of international sanctions aimed at crippling Russia’s economy and its ability to fund the war.

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