The USA Treasury Department announces the easing of sanctions on Russia and allowed the U.S companies to interact the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB)
The U.S. Treasury Department published Cyber-related General License (GL) 1 and said that sanctions were adjusted to gain approval to import information technology products into the Russian Federation.
“GL1 authorizes certain transactions with the Federal Security Service that are necessary and ordinarily incident to requesting certain licenses and authorizations for the importation, distribution, or use of certain information technology products in the Russian Federation, as well as transactions necessary and ordinarily incident to comply with rules and regulations administered by, and certain actions or investigations involving, the FSB,” said a statement.
The U.S. Trump administration on February 2, 2017, adjusted sanctions that were introduced by former U.S. President Barack Obama over accusations the Russian Federation tried to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election with cyber attacks on political organizations. The sanctions prohibited local US companies from interacting with the FSB, also were sanctioned 9 entities and individuals linked to Russian Main Intelligence Agency (GRU), and the FSB. 4 high-ranking officers of the GRU were sanctioned and 3 companies that “provided material support to the GRU’s cyber operations”. 35 Russian diplomats were ejected from the United States, and the Russian compounds in New York and Maryland were closed.
The U.S also introduced sanctions against the Russian Federation over its illegal annexation of Crimea and Russia’s invasion in Donbas. As Donald Trump finds shelling in Donetsk as a good reason for partnership with the Russian Federation, statements were issued suggesting that the USA would lift or ease sanctions against Russia.
See also: Trump`s key quotes on Ukraine and Russian agression (tweets, videos, links)
