US Drops Sanctions on 39 Russian Companies, Kremlin Upset

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) during a bilateral meeting with US President Donald John Trump at the summit of the G20 summit in Hamburg. Photo/REUTERS/Carlos Barria 

WASHINGTON - The United States publishes a list of 39 Russian companies sanctioned. Dozens of companies are linked to Moscow's military and intelligence, including the iconic weapon pioneer Kalashnikov.

Rosoboronexport is a mainstay of the Russian arms export industry is also one of the targets of sanctions imposed by law in Washington.

List of 39 Moscow-related military and intelligence firms released by the US State Department. The basis for the imposition of sanctions was the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act passed by Congress in July despite the White House's opposition.

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"The purpose of Congress and the government is to use Article 231 of the Act to respond to Russia's evil behavior in connection with the crisis in eastern Ukraine, disturbances and cyber attacks, and human rights abuses," a senior State Department official told reporters.

"Part of this action is targeting significant transactions with people in the Russian government's defense and intelligence sector, which could include the sale of advanced Russian armaments around the world," continued the official speaking in anonymous conditions.

The US State Department has submitted the list of 39 companies to Congress on Thursday or 25 days after the law was passed.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin is upset by Washington's decision to impose new sanctions on Moscow.

"After all, this is an echo of hostility and even hostility towards our country," said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, as quoted by Russia Today on Saturday (28/10/2017).

Peskov reiterates Putin's statement that Moscow is ready to make bilateral ties with the US more advanced if Washington wants to do so. "As far as we can see, this will is not so steady," Peskov pissed. []