ADVERTISEMENT

US planning more 'severe' sanctions on Russia over spy poisoning

Assistant Secretary of State Manisha Singh told a congressional hearing that Russia has not yet accepted demands that it come clean about its production of the Novichok nerve agent used in the March 4 attempt to kill former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England.

Moscow was given until November to allow on-site inspections of facilities linked to the potent poison and to provide "verifiable" assurances that Novichok will not be used again.

"They have not done so so far," Singh said.

"We are looking at this November deadline absolutely, we plan to impose a very severe second round of sanctions," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

She said the new sanctions will include banking sanctions, a broader ban on Russian procurement of defense articles, and a block on any foreign aid.

The first sanctions over the Skripal poisoning were implemented in August, halting foreign aid to Russia except for humanitarian assistance and for food and other agricultural products; blocking some defense sales; and banning government credit support for exports to Russia.

Moscow has denied the allegations.

But last week Britain identified two Russians it said carried out the assassination attempt and said they were officers of the GRU Russian military intelligence service.

London pointed a finger at Russian President Vladimir Putin as "ultimately responsible" for the crime.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leaders of Canada, the United States, France and Germany expressed "full confidence" in the British assessment.

On Thursday the two suspects appeared on Russian television to deny they worked for the GRU and said they were in Salisbury as tourists.

"They are civilians," Putin said late Wednesday, adding there was nothing criminal about them.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Immigration places wanted Yahaya Bello on watchlist, unveils his passport details

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

Oyo govt justifies demolition of Yoruba Nation agitators’ building

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

NAFDAC raids popular supermarket in Abuja for selling counterfeit products

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves

FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project

FG sets up committee to compensate landowners affected by Lagos-Calabar road project

Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension

Kano Gov remains a bona fide member of our party - NNPP debunks suspension

We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG

We need ₦3.2trn to pay electricity subsidy in 2024 - FG

Tinubu's proactive approach to security threats yielding results, Ribadu claims

Tinubu's proactive approach to security threats yielding results, Ribadu claims

You will not walk alone - Gov Oyebanji assures late APC chairman’s family

You will not walk alone - Gov Oyebanji assures late APC chairman’s family

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT