Russia says US sanctions law equivalent to 'trade war' declaration
Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev said the latest sanctions imposed by America on it are equivalent to a declaration of a "full-scale trade war" against Moscow. He said the sanctions, signed into law by Donald Trump, demonstrates the US president's complete impotence and humiliation by Congress. The sanctions aim to punish Russia over its alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election and annexation of Crimea.
Trump gives up, signs Russia sanctions bill, mulls China sanctions
President Trump has signed the legislation imposing sanctions on Russia, Iran and North Korea for violating international norms. The legislation, backed overwhelmingly by both Republicans and Democrats in both houses of the US Congress, intends to target Russia for the alleged interference in the 2016 US Presidential elections and the 2014 Crimean annexation among other things. Is the Congress keeping Trump in check?
PM Medvedev says sanctions 'end hopes' of improved US-Russia ties
Medvedev said the sanctions law "ends hopes for improving our relations with the new US administration." "The sanctions regime has been codified and will remain in effect for decades unless a miracle happens," he said. He also said the sanctions would be followed by new US Congressional measures aimed at removing Trump. He said Trump has been reduced to being a "non-systemic player."
Trump accuses Congress of overreach on the sanctions legislation
Trump signed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act but attached a comment calling it "deeply flawed." "As president, I can make far better deals with foreign countries than Congress," he said. He has accused Congress, which overwhelmingly passed the sanctions legislation last week, of overstepping its constitutional authority. Trump is clearly unhappy with the legislation, which he feels curtails his executive powers.
Iran: US sanctions law undermines Iran nuclear deal
The US sanctions law also imposes restrictions on Iran and North Korea. An Iranian official has accused the US of undermining the Iran nuclear deal by imposing sanctions. He said Iran will "show a very clear reaction." The sanctions prevent anyone dealing with Iran's ballistic missile program from entering America and blocks transactions on US properties of individuals linked to the program.
