The US on Thursday unveiled new sanctions on 22 individuals and two entities for their role in Russia’s aggression in Ukraine both prior to and during the war.
Among those sanctioned is “Task Force Rusich, a neo-Nazi paramilitary group that has participated in combat alongside Russia’s military in Ukraine, as well as two of its senior leaders,” the Treasury Department said in a statement.
In addition, the sanctions target a Russian official who “has led Russia’s efforts to deport thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia,” seven individuals working for Russia in occupied Crimea, and four individuals the US said were involved with attempted sanctions evasion.
The US also re-designated Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya, three of his wives, three of his daughters, and his cousin.
According to the Treasury Department, Kadyrov “has mobilized Chechens to fight in Ukraine.”
“Publicly describing himself as Putin’s ‘foot soldier,’ Kadyrov was promoted to the rank of ‘lieutenant-general’ for his role in Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine. Chechen units allied to Kadyrov have operated in Bucha, where Russia’s troops committed atrocities and destroyed homes. Kadyrov has recruited for Russia’s war efforts through mixed martial arts clubs, which enables him and his units to continue their activity in Ukraine,” the Treasury statement said.
Kadyrov today urged Russian regions to “self-mobilize,” according to his Telegram.
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