Biden announces more than 500 sanctions on Russia after Navalny's death

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Friday announced more than 500 new sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine and the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny last week in prison — the largest tranche since the conflict began, the administration said.

Biden said the sanctions would target those connected to Navalny’s imprisonment, as well as Russia’s financial sector, defense industrial base, procurement networks and sanctions evaders across several continents.

“They will ensure Putin pays an even steeper price for his aggression abroad and repression at home," Biden said in a statement about the sanctions. He noted the action is timed with the second anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. is also imposing export restrictions on almost 100 entities that support Russia’s military efforts and taking action to reduce Russia's energy revenues, Biden said.

"I’ve directed my team to strengthen support for civil society, independent media, and those who fight for democracy around the world," he added.

Biden emphasized the need for Congress to pass the Senate foreign aid package, saying Ukraine is "running out of ammunition." Ukraine needs more supplies from the U.S. to "hold the line against Russia's relentless attacks," which are enabled by ammunition and arms from Iran and North Korea, the president said.

"That’s why the House of Representatives must pass the bipartisan national security supplemental bill, before it’s too late," Biden said.

The Treasury Department said in a release detailing the sanctions that its Office of Foreign Assets Control is targeting almost 300 individuals and entities; combined with actions by the State Department, the administration's moves bring the total number