Sanctions by the US against Russia may be on the way. This after US lawmakers vows to punish Russia if proven that they meddled in the recent presidential elections in the US.
Lawmakers from major political parties in the US remain skeptical of the denials by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Graham told reporters that there will be sanctions against Russia and Putin. According to the Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, Russia's behavior is unacceptable.
US officials told The Washington Post that President Obama will soon announce sanctions against Russia, which will include financial punishments, diplomatic censure, and covert cyber activities.
A security analyst believes the sanctions will not be enough. Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor Senior Eurasia Analyst, said that the Obama administration has a very limited window. The question is whether or not the sanctions will be symbolic, which the US President has been passing for years against Russia. Doing meaningful sanctions would take a new approach.
According to CNN, US intelligence officials believe that the purpose of Russia was to hurt Clinton's campaign.
Lauren said that one sanction that would hurt Moscow is to target the money from Russia that is moving through European banks.
"We're seeing Russian influence and interference in political causes. They're also looking at its overall influence in policy, and social and election meddling. There's deep concern out there," she said.
The analyst believes that the Obama administration is running out of time if it wants to impose lasting sanctions, which would require congressional action.
