The White House announced Monday it has expanded sanctions against Russia, looking to further isolate the country for intervening in Ukraine.
The new executive order expands one that Obama signed less than two weeks ago by authorizing Treasury -- in consultation with the Secretary of State -- to impose sanctions on named officials of the Russian government, "any individual or entity that operates in the Russian arms industry, and any designated individual or entity that acts on behalf of, or that provides material or other support to, any senior Russian government official."
The White House said it fashioned the new sanctions to impose costs on individuals who "wield influence in the Russian government and those responsible for the situation in Ukraine."
Russian President Vladimir Putin wasn't named -- a move the White House said would be "highly unusual and rather extraordinary" -- but those close to him are.
"It hits close to home," a senior administration official said. And the White House says the sanctions can be broadened to reach more officials.
The head of a controversial US and Israeli-backed aid group has defended its work after repeated...
The decision was taken "to put America's interests first" and followed a Department of Defense review...
