The U.S. has adopted a bill on new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The bill must be approved by the Senate. Next, it will be sent to Trump who signs or vetoes bills. 184 pages of the document adopted by the Congress are on Russia, the “reasons” are listed in detail: Ukraine, actions against the U.S. cyber security and electoral institutions, support to Assad’s regime, human rights. The United States thus enlarges the scope of sanctions against Russia. Formerly the sanctions mainly applied to officials, individuals. Now they also apply to the Russian oil and gas companies, banks etc. The future of some major projects involving Russian companies, namely Nord Stream, is also questioned. The companies of other countries will have to pay huge fines for cooperation with Russian companies in these sectors. The bill further limits investments and loans from the West, which Russia needs badly. This bill has another peculiarity. It is universal and comprehensive which leaves Russia in a “pending” state in the sense...
