In his remarks Thursday, President Obama announced additional sanctions on individuals within the Russian elite. The expanded list of sanctions also includes a bank. Commentators took to social media immediately to respond to the newest round of Ukraine-related sanctions–from both the US and Russia.
US offcl on call says that Bank Rossiya, identified as “crony bank” w/$10 billion in assets will be frozen out of Dollar. #Ukraine #$$$
— Steve Clemons (@SCClemons) March 20, 2014
NEW: USA threatening to target Russia’s financial services, energy, metals and mining, defense & engineering sectors if Putin keeps going
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) March 20, 2014
The Council’s executive vice president Damon Wilson conveyed his support for the newest round of sanctions on Russia.
Very impressive, biting new round of sanctions against Russia from @BarackObama http://t.co/7XgmV1b1p7
— Damon M. Wilson (@DamonMacWilson) March 20, 2014
Russia’s respose, a list of sanctions included Senators McCain and Menendez as well as a handful of senior White House officials.
And #Russia responds by sanctioning US politicians. List includes @SenJohnMcCain & @SpeakerBoehner http://t.co/djLQANVrDx
— Peter Spiegel (@SpiegelPeter) March 20, 2014
meanwhile, Russia sanctions Ben Rhodes, John McCain, Bob Menendez, Harry Reid, Dan Pfeiffer, and…Mary Landrieu? http://t.co/lu5QszTsxb
— Rosie Gray (@RosieGray) March 20, 2014
The politicians and administration staff included in the Kremlin’s sanctions responded with pride.
I’m proud to be sanctioned by Putin – I’ll never cease my efforts & dedication to freedom & independence of #Ukraine, which includes #Crimea
— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) March 20, 2014
If standing up for #democracy & sovereignty in #Ukraine means I’m #SanctionedByPutin, I’ll take it.
— Sen. Robert Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) March 20, 2014
President Putin, it’s one thing to pick on me, but I wouldn’t mess with Mary. @SenLandrieu #SanctionedByPutin
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) March 20, 2014
Being sanctioned by President Putin is a badge of honor. #SanctionedByPutin
— Senator Landrieu (@SenLandrieu) March 20, 2014