The U.S. identified 210 Russian billionaires and top officials in a sweeping list required under last summer’s sanctions law, but underlined that those named aren’t being targeted for new restrictions.
The highly anticipated document, mandated by Congress over White House objections to punish Russia for alleged meddling in the 2016 election, had fueled alarm in Moscow and threatened to further escalate tensions between the Cold War rivals. The Treasury announced the list just ahead of a midnight deadline, emphasizing it doesn’t mean those listed “meet the criteria for designation under any sanctions program.”