US targets Russian firms with sanctions

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on two people and two companies it accused of supporting disinformation efforts directed by the Russian government, the U.S. Treasury Department said, as Washington increases pressure on Moscow, Report informs, citing Reuters.

Washington has repeatedly warned of Moscow's efforts to sow disinformation and instability in democratic countries, and the sanctions come amid serious tensions between the United States and Russia over the war in Ukraine and a raft of other issues.

Those targeted are: Moscow-based Social Design Agency, its founder, Ilya Andreevich Gambashidze, Russia-based Company Group Structura LLC, and its CEO and owner, Nikolai Aleksandrovich Tupikin.

The sanctions freeze any of their U.S. assets and generally bar Americans from dealing with them. Those that engage in certain transactions with those targeted also risk being hit with sanctions.