New US sanctions on Russian oligarchs include VP of World Jewish Congress

The US announces new sanctions on Russian oligarchs and elites, including some of the richest men in Europe and their families, as well as penalties targeting more Kremlin officials, businessmen linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin and their yachts, aircraft and firms that manage them.

The latest US penalties imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine include real estate mogul God Nisanov, one of the richest men in Europe, who is also a vice president of the World Jewish Congress.

Also included in the announcement by the departments of Treasury, State and Commerce are sanctions on Sergei Roldugin, considered a custodian of Putin’s offshore wealth, and Alexey Mordashov, one of Russia’s wealthiest billionaires, along with his wife and two adult children.

The actions are part of US President Joe Biden’s promise, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, to pursue Russian elites’ “ill-gotten gains.”

“Russia’s elites, up to and including President Putin, rely on complex support networks to hide, move, and maintain their wealth and luxury assets,” Brian Nelson, undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. “We will continue to enforce our sanctions and expose the corrupt systems by which President Putin and his elites enrich themselves.”