US implements Further Sanctions Against Russia

(MENAFN- QNA) Further sanctions being implemented against Russia are a response in part to "the presence of heavily armed Russian forces in eastern Ukraine," US President Barack Obama said.

"Together with G-7 and European partners and our other Allies, we have made clear that we are prepared to impose mounting costs on Russia," he said.

"We are implementing these new measures in light of Russia's actions to further destabilize Ukraine over the last month." Washington has yet to see "conclusive evidence" that Moscow has halted its destabilization of Ukraine since last week's ceasefire agreement, Obama said.

"If Russia fully implements its commitments, these sanctions can be rolled back," he said. "If, instead, Russia continues its aggressive actions and violations of international law, the costs will continue to rise.", he added