President Obama issued an executive order on Thursday allowing his administration powers to freeze U.S.-based financial assets and property of Russian officials found to be responsible for Russia's current military aggression against Ukraine.
Administration officials did not name specific individuals who will be targeted or how many would be sanctioned. They said the executive order will allow Treasury Department officials to freeze the assets of those who undermine democracy, peace and territorial integrity in Ukraine, those who misappropriate state assets and those who seize power without authorization from the interim government in Kiev.
A spokesman for House Speaker John A. Boehner's office said: "We welcome this first step, but remain committed to working with the administration to give President Obama as many tools as needed to put President Putin in check as well as prevent Russia from infringing on the sovereignty of any of its other neighbors."
The President has also called on Congress to approve a $1 billion aid package to Ukraine. The House will vote on that request on Thursday.
(via Washington Post)
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