US hits Russia with new sanctions over Ukraine conflict as Dubai talks falter

The US Justice Department ratcheted up pressure on Russia on Friday, issuing sanctions to approximately 40 companies and individuals it says were involved in the Ukraine conflict. The press release announcing the new measures came just as the US Special Representative to Ukraine Kurt Volker was holding talks with Russian counterpart, presidential aide Vladislav Surkov, in Dubai. In an extended interview with the Kommersant newspaper on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, said the West had been infected by “unprecedented” Russophobia, making negotiations impossible.

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