Russia’s Latest Sanctions on US Officials Turn on Trump’s Foes

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Russia has expanded its list of sanctioned Americans in a tit-for-tat retaliation for the latest curbs imposed by the United States. But what’s particularly striking is how Russian President Vladimir V. Putin has adopted former President Donald J. Trump’s perceived enemies as his own.

Among the 500 people singled out for travel and financial restrictions on Friday were Americans seen as opponents of Mr. Trump, including Letitia James, the New York state attorney who investigated and sued him. . Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state who rejected Mr. Trump to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election, also made the list. And Lt. Michael Byrd, the Capitol Police officer who shot pro-Trump rioter Ashli ​​Babbitt on January 6, 2021, is another well-known name.

None of those three had anything to do with Russian policy and the only reason they came to Moscow’s attention was because Mr. Trump publicly attacked them. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not provide a specific explanation as to why they would be included in the list but said that among its targets were those in government and law enforcement agencies directly involved in prosecuting dissidents during the called storming. of the Capitol.

As recently as this month, Mr. Trump tried to rewrite history that day and offered pardons for convicted rioters if he is elected to a second term. He also refused to pledge to support Ukraine in its war against Russia if he were re-elected president, saying instead he would seek to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow.

Most likely, the Russian sanctions will have little actual effect on Ms. James, Mr. Raffensperger and Lieutenant Byrd because neither of them is known to have assets in Russia or plans to travel there. Mr. reposted. Raffensperger with a tweet from Gabriel Sterling, his chief operating officer, who wrote: A huge honor for @GaSecofState Raffensperger. He is one of hundreds of Americans banned from Russia by Vladimir Putin. That means Brad is doing the right thing.

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