00:00 In a significant development, US President Joe Biden announced that the United States
00:08 will unveil a substantial package of sanctions against Russia on Friday.
00:14 These sanctions are in response to the recent death of Russian opposition leader Alexei
00:18 Navalny and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
00:22 While addressing reporters before departing on a trip to California, President Biden did
00:26 not provide specific details about the upcoming sanctions.
00:30 However, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan outlined that the measures will
00:36 target various aspects of Russia's infrastructure, including defense and industrial bases, as
00:43 well as key sources of revenue for the country's economy.
00:47 The primary goal of these sanctions, according to White House National Security Spokesperson
00:52 John Kirby, is to hold Russia accountable for the events surrounding Navalny's death
00:58 and its actions during the two-year war in Ukraine.
01:01 Kirby stated that the sanctions package, originally planned to mark the second anniversary of
01:07 the conflict, will now be reconsidered and expanded in response to Navalny's tragic
01:12 passing.
01:13 Treasury Undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson is currently
01:18 on a trip to Europe, engaging in discussions about the sanctions related to Navalny's
01:24 death.
01:25 Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that Nelson's talks include visits to Germany,
01:30 Belgium and France.
01:32 In addition to addressing Navalny's death, Nelson is exploring Washington's authority
01:37 to target individuals funding Russia's war production efforts, even if located in third
01:42 countries.
01:43 The Treasury emphasized the U.S.'s determination to aggressively pursue those attempting to
01:49 evade the imposed sanctions.
01:51 The United States had previously implemented a range of sanctions related to Russia's
01:56 invasion of Ukraine in 2022, targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin, officials and banks.
02:04 Sanctions were also imposed in response to the poisoning and imprisonment of Navalny
02:09 back in 2020, focusing on individuals associated with Russia's Federal Security Service, or
02:16 FSB, and other officials.
02:18 Navalny, who was a prominent critic of President Putin, tragically passed away on Friday after
02:24 falling unconscious at the Polar Wolf Penal Colony.
02:28 The United States is urging Russia to provide complete transparency on the circumstances
02:34 surrounding Navalny's death.
02:36 President Biden has directly placed blame on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the
02:40 Russian government.
02:42 Despite the U.S. Embassy in Moscow seeking more information about Navalny's death, John
02:47 Kirby expressed difficulty in obtaining credible details from Russian authorities.
02:53 He emphasized that whatever story the Russian government decides to tell the world, it's
02:58 clear that President Putin and his government were responsible for Navalny's death.
03:04 As tensions escalate, the world awaits the unveiling of the comprehensive sanctions package
03:09 on Friday as the United States takes a firm stand against Russia in response to the tragic
03:15 events surrounding Navalny's death and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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