On Friday, the Biden administration is set to implement a new set of sanctions targeting over 500 entities in response to the demise of opposition figure Alexey Navalny and on the eve of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, as confirmed by a Treasury official.

These sanctions represent the latest step taken by the administration to impose repercussions on Russia amid escalating tensions between the two nations.

During a statement on Tuesday, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described the upcoming measures as a “substantial package,” encompassing various aspects connected to the Russian defense industrial sector and revenue sources supporting the country’s “war machine.”

President Joe Biden had hinted at the sanctions on Thursday, attributing responsibility for Navalny’s death to Russian President Vladimir Putin, CNN reported.

Biden’s remarks followed his meeting with Navalny’s widow and daughter in San Francisco.

In recent years, the United States, along with other Western governments, has imposed a series of sanctions on Russia.

Despite these measures, Russia has demonstrated adaptability, with President Putin openly boasting about the country’s resilience to international sanctions, noting that their impact tends to take time.

Ahead of Alexey Navalny’s death, U.S. officials were actively developing a new sanctions package targeting Russia.

Following the opposition leader’s demise, this package was further enhanced, as mentioned by a senior U.S. official.

The official also noted that there was coordination with European partners in the formulation of this updated sanctions package.

Written by B.C. Begley