**U.S. officials prepare sanctions on Russia as invasion of Ukraine looms**
**February 23, 2022**
By Matthew Lee, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is preparing a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s financial system and wealthy elites that could be imposed swiftly if Russia invades Ukraine, according to four people familiar with the matter.
The sanctions are designed to punish Russia if it launches a full-scale invasion of its neighbor, something U.S. officials believe could happen within days. The measures would freeze the assets of Russian banks and individuals, and restrict their access to the global financial system.
The sanctions package is still being finalized, and it is possible that some elements could be changed or removed before they are imposed. However, the people familiar with the matter said the administration is confident that it has the authority to impose the sanctions and that they would have a significant impact on Russia’s economy.
The Biden administration has been coordinating with its allies on the sanctions package, and officials said they are confident that there is strong support for the measures. The European Union has already imposed some sanctions on Russia, and the United Kingdom is also considering additional measures.
The sanctions are just one part of the Biden administration’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. The administration has also sent military aid to Ukraine and has deployed troops to the region. However, officials have made clear that they do not intend to send U.S. troops to fight in Ukraine.
The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Russia that it will face severe consequences if it invades Ukraine. The sanctions package is designed to send a clear message to Moscow that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to take action to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The sanctions package is being prepared as the United States and its allies continue to assess the situation in Ukraine. U.S. officials have said that they believe Russia has amassed a force of more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, and that an invasion could happen at any time.
The United States and its allies have called on Russia to de-escalate the situation and to withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian border. However, Russian officials have said that they will not withdraw their troops and have accused the United States and its allies of escalating the crisis.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and it is possible that the Biden administration could impose the sanctions package before a full-scale invasion of Ukraine occurs. However, officials have said that they are prepared to impose the sanctions swiftly if Russia does invade Ukraine.
The sanctions package is a significant escalation of the Biden administration’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. The measures are designed to punish Russia if it launches a full-scale invasion of its neighbor, and they could have a significant impact on Russia’s economy.
The Biden administration is confident that it has the authority to impose the sanctions and that they would have a significant impact on Russia’s economy. The administration has also been coordinating with its allies on the sanctions package, and officials said they are confident that there is strong support for the measures.
The sanctions package is just one part of the Biden administration’s response to the crisis in Ukraine. The administration has also sent military aid to Ukraine and has deployed troops to the region. However, officials have made clear that they do not intend to send U.S. troops to fight in Ukraine.
The Biden administration has repeatedly warned Russia that it will face severe consequences if it invades Ukraine. The sanctions package is designed to send a clear message to Moscow that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to take action to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The sanctions package is being prepared as the United States and its allies continue to assess the situation in Ukraine. U.S. officials have said that they believe Russia has amassed a force of more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, and that an invasion could happen at any time.
The United States and its allies have called on Russia to de-escalate the situation and to withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian border. However, Russian officials have said that they will not withdraw their troops and have accused the United States and its allies of escalating the crisis.
The situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and it is possible that the Biden administration could impose the sanctions package before a full-scale invasion of Ukraine occurs. However, officials have said that they are prepared to impose the sanctions swiftly if Russia does invade Ukraine..
