The US Senate approved tougher sanctions against Russia – Russian newspaper

The US Senate on Thursday voted for the bill authorizing President Barack Obama to deliver the Government of Ukraine arms and military equipment, including anti-tank, armor and small arms and ammunition, and are dedicating to 350 million in 2015. In addition, the document establishes sanctions against “Rosoboronexport” and permits the President to impose restrictions on other major Russian companies, including “Gazprom”.

development of the theme

It is also envisaged to provide Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, the status of the main US ally outside NATO “substantial and immediate expansion of” scale propaganda broadcast in the former Soviet Union, what stands out in the next year to 10 million dollars. As if to confirm the recent words of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on targeted sanctions on the change of power in Russia, the US Senate bill included a provision of $ 20 million over three years for the so-called “strengthening of democratic institutions in Russia.” How can you not remember that, to the heights reached democracy in Ukraine, in which Washington is said Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Victoria Nuland, for the past two decades have invested more than $ 5 billion.

The document entitled “Act on the support of a free Ukraine – 2014″ was developed by the head of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Robert Menendez and senior Republican on the committee Bob Corker.

Recall that recently almost identical document was introduced in the House of Representatives. This procedure is commonly used to accelerate the approval process of the bill in both houses.

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At the same time, the document may be met with hostility in the White House. In particular, previously President Barack Obama has repeatedly rejected the idea of ​​arms supplies to Kiev, limited to using non-lethal – radars for the calculation of the mortar crew, tents, bullet-proof vests and helmets, medical supplies and food rations. And during the September visit to Washington, President Peter Poroshenko refused and in the status of Major non-NATO ally. “Deliveries of arms to Ukraine Kiev will only false sense of security guarantees”, – said “RG” expert Woodrow Wilson Center Michael Coffman.

However, the tone of the White House recently changed somewhat. Deputy Assistant US president on national security, Tony Blinken said that although it is a decision on the supply of defensive lethal weapons is not accepted, the question “never removed from the agenda”.

At least provoked a backlash from the administration and the idea of ​​introducing sanctions by law. Senior Director of US National Security Council for Russia and Central Asia Celeste Wallander recently during a conference in Washington, noted that “the White House does not like it when the Senate binds his hands in foreign policy.” “The goal is not to maintain sanctions, and to get out of the situation, allows you to actively seek a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine,” – she said.

“already existing anti-Russian sanctions imposed by executive decree of the President and accordingly, the decision to terminate them, Obama can also take your own. While their consolidation at the legislative level would mean that for the lifting of restrictions will require the vote of the Congress – commented “RG” authoritative expert Brookings Institution and former US Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer . – It would deprive the administration of flexibility and disastrous would affect the prospects of resolving the crisis through political means. ” As an example, he cited the “famous” Jackson-Vanik amendment in respect of Russia, two decades survived the reason for which it was introduced.

According to US law, US President has the right to veto a bill approved by parliament . Nevertheless congressmen can overcome a presidential veto if both houses of the document will be given not less than two-thirds of the votes. During his presidency, Obama twice used the veto, and Congress has never applied the procedure to overcome it. His predecessor, George W. Bush vetoed 12 times and four Congress overcame him.