Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US Senate for passing a bill introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham to strengthen sanctions against Russia and Iran.
Writing on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy stated that the legislation helps increase pressure on the aggressor to end the war against Ukraine's independence. He said Ukraine appreciates all bipartisan support provided by the United States and the American people.
Zelenskyy noted that as Vladimir Putin makes his last bet in prolonging the war on ballistic missiles and Ukraine seeks Patriot missiles for defense, signals supporting life and a swift end to the war are crucial. He added that strong US pressure and sanctions will help diplomacy succeed and thanked those promoting peace through strength.
Sanctions on Cuban and Russian Officials
The US administration previously introduced sanctions against eight Cuban officials, including high-ranking military personnel collaborating with Russia and China. According to a State Department fact sheet, most of those individuals were involved in attempts to organize weapons supplies from China and Russia. The International Society for Human Rights and other organizations identified Gomez as an individual involved in recruiting Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, though the government in Havana denied involvement in sending mercenaries to the front line.
The US State Department also announced sanctions against several structures under the Russian Ministry of Defense, two Russian companies, and five Russian citizens. The sanctioned military structures include the Main Missile and Artillery Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense, the 1061st Logistics Support Center of the Russian Armed Forces, the Directorate for Advanced Inter-Services Research and Special Projects of the Russian Ministry of Defense, and the Russian Ground Forces. The restrictions extend to all successors, divisions, and subsidiaries of those entities.
Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on two Russian companies, International Invest Company and Gedion Alpha Company. The five sanctioned Russian citizens are Oleksandr Prykhodko, Andriy Husev, Andriy Kosolapov, Vladyslav Morozyk, and Serhiy Tsybariev.
