We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptUS–UKRAINE –RUSSIA SANCTIONS
HEADLINE: Biden Announces 500 New Sanctions on Russia
TEASER: To mark the second anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the Biden administration has announced the largest package of sanctions on Russia to date
PUBLISHED AT: 02/23/2024 at 5:45p
BYLINE: Cindy Saine
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Page, Holly Franko, DJ (bal)
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Saine Zoom interview, AFP, AP, Reuters
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO X__
TRT: 3:04
VID APPROVED BY: Jepsen
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[U.S. President Joe Biden has announced 500 new sanctions on Russia, as the world marks two years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Biden said the sanctions will target Russia's "war machine," including weapons procurement, and will also target individuals involved in the imprisonment and death of prominent Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny one week ago. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.]]
((NARRATOR))
Ukraine’s defense forces continue to try to repel Russia’s invading army.
On Friday, President Joe Biden marked the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion by announcing sanctions on 500 individuals and entities linked to the invasion and the death in a Russian prison of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin badly miscalculated the courage of the people of Ukraine.
((President Joe Biden))
“…And Putin believed he could easily bend the will and break the resolve of the free people of Ukraine. That he could roll into Ukraine, and he would roll over them. Two years later, he remains wrong…FLASH …Kyiv is still standing. Ukraine is still free, and the people of Ukraine remain unbowed and unbroken in the face of Putin's vigorous onslaught.”
((NARRATOR))
Biden said he met with Navalny’s widow and daughter Thursday in California and assured them he will make sure Putin pays a price for what he termed Russian aggression abroad and repression at home.
((NARRATOR))
During a visit to Argentina, Secretary of State Antony Blinken answered a question from Voice of America, saying he believes sanctions will have a long-term impact on Russia’s ability to modernize its economy, military and energy sector. And Blinken did not forget Navalny.
((Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State))
“We're also taking action against three individuals, specifically in connection with the death of Alexey Navalny: the prison warden, the regional prison head, the deputy director of the Federal Penitentiary Service.”
((NARRATOR))
In Moscow, Putin took part in a “Defender of the Fatherland Day" patriotic ceremony and hailed what he termed the "authentic heroes" fighting in Ukraine. Some observers say that the sudden death of Navalny in Russian custody reveals that Putin is vulnerable.
[[for radio]] Bill Browder is the head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign.
((Bill Browder, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign)) ((Zoom))
“I don't think that he would have murdered Alexey Navalny if he was feeling confident. I think that's the sign of a man who's feeling scared. And [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is scared of losing power, because if he loses power, he dies.”
((NARRATOR))
Russia says Navalny died of natural causes.
Browder welcomed the new set of sanctions on Moscow, but he said the Kremlin still enjoys one major source of revenue.
((Bill Browder, Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign)) ((Zoom))
“So, as long as Russia can continue to sell their oil, they'll be able to continue buying missiles and bullets and pay for soldiers. And the war will carry on. And we haven't been able to get our head around that. And that's — that is the elephant in the room.”
((NARRATOR))
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer arrived in Ukraine on Friday with a group of senators to try to reassure Ukrainians that the U.S. Congress will deliver another round of U.S. aid, even as a package that would provide $60 billion to Kyiv is stalled in the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives.
((Cindy Saine, VOA News.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 23, 2024 18:06 EST
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
