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August 2, 2022Newsletter

Russia Update: August 2, 2022

Diplomacy

Russia threatened to break diplomatic relations with the U.S. if the U.S. designates Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

In a New York Times opinion piece ostensibly about House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) visit to Taiwan, Thomas L. Friedman, who is reportedly close to the White House, said, “Privately, U.S. officials are a lot more concerned about Ukraine’s leadership than they are letting on. There is deep mistrust between the White House and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine — considerably more than has been reported.”

WNBA star Brittney Griner’s trial resumed in Russia.

Sanctions

The Treasury Department announced sanctions on additional Russian individuals and companies. The list included Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rumored girlfriend, who the U.S. had previously avoided sanctioning because it considered such a step overly escalatory.

The Commerce Department added 25 Airbus planes operated by Russian airlines to its export violation list.

The UK announced sanctions on additional Russian individuals.

Consequences

European power prices hit a record amid drought and Russian supply curbs.

Ukraine Sitrep

No news of note

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