Evidence of Massacre of Russian Civilians... US Considers Secondary Sanctions

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Reports have emerged that the Biden administration is considering additional sanctions against Russia after hundreds of civilian bodies were found in mass graves near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Secondary sanctions targeting third countries trading with Russia are likely.

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 3rd (local time), citing multiple sources, that the Biden administration is discussing strengthening sanctions against Russia following clear evidence of civilian massacres by Russian troops in Ukraine. Proposed sanctions include secondary sanctions targeting countries still trading with Russia, as well as additional sanctions on Russia’s mineral, transportation, and financial sectors.

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, appeared on CNN’s "State of the Union" on the same day and criticized, saying, "I cannot help but be very outraged." He emphasized, "We are strengthening existing sanctions and adding new ones every day." Although the Russian economy is expected to shrink by 10% due to sanctions from the U.S. and other Western countries, he made it clear that additional sanctions are necessary.

However, despite strong Western sanctions, Russia continues to secure substantial daily revenue through oil and gas exports. Edward Fishman, a former State Department official responsible for Russia sanctions during the Barack Obama administration, criticized, saying, "There is no excuse for continuing to pour billions of dollars to Russian President Vladimir Putin through oil and gas sales."

Regarding additional energy sanctions, Secretary Blinken responded, "We are continuously discussing with allies the most effective ways to strengthen sanctions, but at the same time, we must focus on ensuring Europe secures the energy it needs." Blinken will visit Brussels, Belgium, for three days starting on the 5th to attend NATO and G7 foreign ministers’ meetings. Additional sanctions against Russia, including energy sanctions, are expected to be discussed at this meeting.

Calls for additional sanctions are also growing in Europe. The German Foreign Minister directly referenced the Bucha incident, hinting at the possibility of sanctions on Russian gas. Analysts suggest this could represent a shift in Germany’s previously lukewarm stance on energy sanctions against Russia. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tweeted, "Strong 5th EU-wide sanctions are needed as soon as possible."

The United Nations has indicated its own investigation plans. UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres issued a statement saying, "I am deeply shocked by the images of civilians killed in Bucha, Ukraine." He also mentioned, "An independent investigation is essential to ensure effective accountability."

Earlier, in Bucha, a city near Kyiv reclaimed by Ukrainian forces, bodies dressed as civilians and mass graves believed to be victims executed by Russian troops were found in multiple locations. Ukrainian authorities reported recovering 410 civilian bodies in the Kyiv region they retook. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia for committing mass killings in Ukraine during an interview with U.S. CBS News.