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Transcript/ScriptFOR USAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: U.S. Sanctions Ukraine Nato (TV)
HEADLINE: Moscow Slapped With New US Sanctions Over War Crimes Allegations
TEASER: NATO debates sending heavy weapons to aid Ukrainian military; Putin's daughters among targets of sanctions
PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 04/06/2022, 7:08p
BYLINE: Henry Ridgwell
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: London
VIDEOGRAPHER: Henry Ridgwell
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: BR, Reifenrath, DJ (ok)
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, APTN, AFP, Reuters, Skype
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:48
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: VPKGN
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO:)) [[The United States announced new sanctions against Moscow Wednesday following allegations that Russian forces in Ukraine massacred civilians. The announcement comes as NATO discusses sending more heavy weapons to aid Ukrainian forces. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
This video contains graphic images and may not be suitable for all viewers.]]
((NARRATOR))
As Ukrainian forces advance north of Kyiv, they have discovered horrifying scenes of civilians who apparently were massacred by Russian troops. Moscow denies responsibility — but the evidence of alleged war crimes is mounting.
The White House cited these atrocities as it outlined a new sanctions package Wednesday in coordination with G-7 and European allies.
They include a full block on two of Russia’s largest banks, Sberbank and Alfa Bank, and on major Russian state-owned enterprises.
A ban on all new investment in Russia — and on Russia’s ability to make debt payments with funds subject to U.S. jurisdiction.
The sanctions also target Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two daughters, and family members of other Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
((President Joe Biden))
“Just in one year, our sanctions are likely to wipe out the last 15 years of Russia's economic gains. And because we've cut Russia off from importing technologies like semiconductors and encryption security and critical components of quantum technology that they need to compete in the 21st century, we're going to stifle Russia's ability in its economy to grow for years to come.”
((NARRATOR))
Britain also approved a new sanctions package Wednesday.
((Liz Truss, British Foreign Secretary))
“Banning Russian ships from our ports; cracking down on more Russian banks; going after industries that are filling Putin’s war chest, like gold.”
((NARRATOR))
The European Union is also finalizing new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector.
((Charles Michel, European Council President (in English) ))
“The new package includes a ban on coal imports. And ladies and gentlemen, I think, I think that measures on oil and even gas will also be needed sooner or later.”
((NARRATOR))
The EU revealed Wednesday that it had made thirty-eight billion dollars in energy payments to Russia since the start of the war — compared with providing just over one billion dollars in military aid to Ukraine. For Ukraine, Europe isn’t moving fast enough, says analyst Liana Fix.
((Liana Fix, Körber-Stiftung Foundation of International Affairs (in English) ))
((cf. Skype logo))
“The question is only how fast will this take place, and will it be fast enough to help Ukraine in improving their negotiating position and their fighting position towards Moscow.”
((NARRATOR))
The raft of Western sanctions came as NATO foreign ministers began a two-day meeting in Brussels Wednesday. Washington this week announced a further $100 million in military aid for Ukraine, including Javelin anti-tank missiles.
((Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State))
"We set out to do three things if Russia decided to pursue this horrific aggression against Ukraine. One was to support our Ukrainian partners. We're doing that. Two was to put extraordinary pressure on Russia. We're doing that. Three was to make sure that we were shoring up the defenses of our own alliance, NATO, and we're doing that.”
((NARRATOR))
The alleged atrocities by Russian forces could change NATO’s calculation, says Fix.
((Liana Fix, Körber-Stiftung Foundation of International Affairs (in English) ))
((cf. Skype logo))
“Especially in public opinion, they invoke memories of past atrocities in Europe. So it increases the pressure on policymakers.
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic is sending Soviet-era T-72 tanks and infantry vehicles to Ukraine, which Kyiv hopes will prompt other NATO members to send heavy weapons.
((Henry Ridgwell, for VOA News, London))
NewsML Media TopicsConflict, War and Peace
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateApril 6, 2022 19:27 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
