The United States announced the latest sanctions on Russia in response to President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognize the independence of two provinces in eastern Ukraine on Monday.
The sanctions, which include new bans on investment, trade and financing by U.S. citizens over the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR) territories, were signed by President Joe Biden.
According to White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that these sanctions are separate from the additional measures that will be taken by America and other allies if Russia continues to invade Ukraine.
Putin’s decision to recognize the area in the Donbas as an independent entity made on Monday has sparked concerns that tensions between Russia and Ukraine will escalate.
A senior official of the Biden administration described Putin's statement as a "speech to the Russian people about the possibility of war".
The official also said that the US and its allies will continue to monitor Russia’s actions in the region as well as respond accordingly if there is an attack on Ukraine.
