US imposes new sanction against 39 Russian entities

The US State Department said the list, which includes major Russian arms makers as well as a state-run Russian arms exporter, was released as part of a law which President Donald Trump signed in August.

Sukhoi and Tupolev as well as specialists in space research and missile technologies are among the manufacturers and design bureaus listed for their ties to the military.

Also, the Russia's main intelligence agencies listed include the FSB, SVR and GRU as well as PO KSI, a tech company that the US has alleged trains Russian hackers.

Trump had opposed the law as it restricts his authority to loosen measures against Russia for its alleged meddling in Ukraine and interference in US politics, allegations Moscow categorically denies.

However, he signed off on the "Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act" in August after lawmakers passed it with a veto-proof majority.

The department noted that the action does not itself impose new sanctions, and determinations will be made against entities that conduct "significant transactions" with them.

Some of the firms and entities listed are already subject to direct US sanctions under separate laws or executive orders.

A senior State Department official said the administration shares Congress' intent to respond "to Russia's malign behavior with respect to the crisis in eastern Ukraine, cyber intrusions and attacks, and human rights abuses."

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the measure will help the US limit "the sale of advanced Russian weaponry around the world."

The US and its allies had already levied broad economic sanctions against Russia over its alleged support for pro-Russia separatist forces in eastern Ukraine and Crimea’s reunification with Russia after a referendum in 2014.

KD