US officials are considering additional restrictive measures in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, including “emergency” measures to restrict exports to Russia, Reuters reported, citing an unnamed official in the US presidential administration, Joe Biden.

As such measures, they are discussing a ban on the supply of phones, key aviation and automotive components, and materials “from many other industries,” the agency’s source said. According to him, these measures are proposed in addition to those discussed earlier.

In December, CNN and Bloomberg  reported that a package of potential US sanctions includes measures against the entourage of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian oligarchs, banks and energy companies, as well as disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT interbank transfer system and restricting the conversion of rubles into other currencies.

On December 7, Joe Biden, in talks with Vladimir Putin, warned of “decisive economic and other measures” in the event of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin, in turn, accused NATO of “dangerous attempts to conquer Ukrainian territory” and demanded guarantees that the military alliance would not be expanded eastward. On December 17, the Russian Foreign Ministry  presented  draft agreements with the United States and NATO on mutual security guarantees.

(C)MEDUZA 2021