A new bipartisan bill would impose new sanctions on Russia with the intention of punishing Moscow for the poisoning of a former Russian spy living in the United Kingdom.
"Russian aggression must be met with strength and resolve, including through sanctions to deter future Russian attacks on dissidents, expatriates, and democratic activists," reads the bill, introduced by Reps. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, and Mike Turner, R-Ohio, and titled the Stand with UK against Russia Violations Act.
"This bill also targets Russian financial institutions until [Russian President Vladimir] Putin ceases its practice of assassinating expatriates and dissidents outside of Russia."
Russia has denied any involvement in the use of a nerve agent to poison former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia.
The legislation would allow President Donald Trump to sanction Russian individuals involved in the poisoning under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act that passed last year. On Friday, Trump announced new sanctions on Russia in response to "malign activity" around the world.
"The Russian government sanctioned attack on Sergei and Yulia Skripal and Officer Nick Bailey last month on British soil violated international law and indicates Putin's growing aggression and disregard for international standards of conduct," the congressmen said in a statement, according to the Hill. "It's imperative that the United States stands with the United Kingdom and our international partners in signaling resolve with a strong response."
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