White House's sanctions decision anticipates Congress' reaction - expert
MOSCOW. March 6 (Interfax) - The United States administration is aware that Russia is retaining the initiative in the situation with Ukraine and not going to recede. This explains the visa sanctions announced by the White House against Russian officials, Russian political expert Sergei Karaganov said.
"The White House is alarmed, frightened by Russia's actions. They are beginning to realize that Russia is holding the initiative and is not going to back down," Karaganov told Interfax on Thursday.
The announcement of sanctions by the White House can be linked to the upcoming session of the U.S. Congress, he said. "The White House always hopes to intercept the initiative so as to be ahead of Congress. The reaction of Congress would probably be tougher, given the very strong influence of the Eastern European lobby. In this situation, Congress will be working to toughen U.S. policy on Russia," the political analyst said.
The White House said on Thursday it imposed visa sanctions on a number of Russian and Ukrainian officials due to the situation in Ukraine.
