WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on Russia sanctions (all times local):
10:15 a.m.
The U.S. is sanctioning two Russian shipping companies suspected of transferring petroleum products to North Korean vessels in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Treasury said that earlier this year, one vessel linked to the Russian companies transferred 3,500 tons of oil to ships flying the North Korea flag.
Treasury said the buyer was North Korea’s Taesong Bank. The bank is linked to the Workers’ Party of Korea Office 39, which engages in illicit economic activities for North Korean leaders.
The sanctions seek to pressure North Korea to give up its nuclear program. They block the two Russian shipping companies’ assets in the U.S. and ban Americans from dealing with them.
Tuesday’s action targeted Primorye Maritime Logistics Co. and Gudzon Shipping Co., based in the city of Vladivostok, and six of their vessels.
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7:40 a.m.
Britain wants the European Union to ensure its sanctions on Russia are sufficiently comprehensive in response to accusations Moscow poisoned a former Russian spy in Britain, using a nerve agent.
In advance excerpts from his first speech in the U.S. as the U.K.’s foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt says Russia’s foreign policy under President Vladimir Putin “has made the world a more dangerous place.” He says the EU should review its sanctions and make sure “we truly stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S.”
Hunt is speaking Tuesday morning at the U.S. Institute of Peace. The British Embassy previewed his speech on Monday.
Earlier this month the Trump administration announced new export restrictions on Russia in response to the poisoning.
