US sanctions against Russia include Gazprom
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — US President Donald Trump economically sanctioned seven Russian businessmen, 12 companies, and 17 Russian government officials on Friday. Included in the sanctions is Russian energy giant Gazprom, which has operations in the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq.
“Gazprom Burenie, OOO is being designated for being owned or controlled by Igor Rotenberg,” read the US Department of Treasure statement.
Igor Rotenberg, described as an “oligarch” by Washington, was designated for acquiring 79 percent of Gazprom from his father, Arkady Rotenberg, who was sanctioned in 2014 by the United States.
Igor Rotenberg’s uncle, Boris Rotenberg, owns 16 percent of Gazprom, according to the United States. He was also sanctioned in 2014.
Russian oil and gas companies such as Gazprom and Rosneft have a presence in the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq.
“Non-US persons could face sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of the individuals or entities blocked today,” read the US statement.
Gazprom operates in the Halabja, Garmian, and Shakal blocks. Elsewhere in Iraq, they have operations in Badra in Wasit province.
“All assets subject to US jurisdiction of the designated individuals and entities, and of any other entities blocked by operation of law as a result of their ownership by a sanctioned party, are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealings with them,” added the US statement.
The sanctions also affect Russian weapons traders, subsidiaries, and banks who deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime is already sanctioned.
“Russian oligarchs and elites who profit from this corrupt system will no longer be insulated from the consequences of their government’s destabilizing activities.”
There was no immediate statement from Gazprom regarding the sanctions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson was asked about the looming sanctions on Thursday.
"I think the phrase 'Russian oligarchs' is inappropriate,” Dmitry Peskov said, according to TASS. "There are no oligarchs in Russia.
"I do not know about any information coming from representatives of large Russian businesses on this matter.”
“Gazprom Burenie, OOO is being designated for being owned or controlled by Igor Rotenberg,” read the US Department of Treasure statement.
Igor Rotenberg, described as an “oligarch” by Washington, was designated for acquiring 79 percent of Gazprom from his father, Arkady Rotenberg, who was sanctioned in 2014 by the United States.
Igor Rotenberg’s uncle, Boris Rotenberg, owns 16 percent of Gazprom, according to the United States. He was also sanctioned in 2014.
Russian oil and gas companies such as Gazprom and Rosneft have a presence in the Kurdistan Region and in Iraq.
“Non-US persons could face sanctions for knowingly facilitating significant transactions for or on behalf of the individuals or entities blocked today,” read the US statement.
Gazprom operates in the Halabja, Garmian, and Shakal blocks. Elsewhere in Iraq, they have operations in Badra in Wasit province.
“All assets subject to US jurisdiction of the designated individuals and entities, and of any other entities blocked by operation of law as a result of their ownership by a sanctioned party, are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealings with them,” added the US statement.
The sanctions also affect Russian weapons traders, subsidiaries, and banks who deal with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose regime is already sanctioned.
“The Russian government operates for the disproportionate benefit of oligarchs and government elites,” said US Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, claiming Moscow provides “the Assad regime with material and weaponry as they bomb their own civilians, attempting to subvert Western democracies, and malicious cyber activities.
“Russian oligarchs and elites who profit from this corrupt system will no longer be insulated from the consequences of their government’s destabilizing activities.”
There was no immediate statement from Gazprom regarding the sanctions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson was asked about the looming sanctions on Thursday.
"I think the phrase 'Russian oligarchs' is inappropriate,” Dmitry Peskov said, according to TASS. "There are no oligarchs in Russia.
"I do not know about any information coming from representatives of large Russian businesses on this matter.”