Washington: US has imposed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities allegedly involved in efforts to influence US elections, announced US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The US imposed sanctions on four entities and seven individuals associated with the Internet Research Agency and its financier, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, Pompeo said in a statement on Monday, Xinhua reported.
The Internet Research Agency used fictitious personas on social media and disseminated false information in an effort to attempt to influence the 2018 US midterm elections, the US Department of the Treasury said on the same day.
According to the Treasury, Prigozhin’s personal property — three private jets and a yacht — was also among the targets of Monday’s action.
As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of these persons, including the identified aircraft and vessel, that are or come within the possession of US persons are blocked. Also, U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
Washington’s relationship with Moscow has been at a low point for a long time due to their disagreements on Syria, Ukraine, arms control issues as well as Russia’s alleged interference in the U.S. elections.