US preparing further Russia sanctions over Ukraine

The United States authorities are preparing to further pressure Russia to de-escalate the ongoing political crisis in Ukraine.

US officials have said they will increase sanctions on Russia and boost assistance for the Ukrainian military in the coming days.

The White House accuses the Kremlin of backing anti-Kiev protesters – an allegation Russia denies.

The US, the European Union, Russia, and Ukraine are due to meet in Geneva on Thursday to try to reduce escalating tensions over eastern Ukraine, where angry pro-Russia protesters have occupied some government buildings.

Moscow on Monday rejected claims that it was behind attacks on government buildings, saying they were “based on unfounded information.”

US media reports, with low expectations for a breakthrough at the Geneva meeting, American officials are preparing new targets for sanctions that include wealthy individuals close to Russian president Vladimir Putin and the entities they run.

White House spokesman Jay Carney On Wednesday said Washington is ready to impose a fourth round of sanctions against Russia. “We have additional sanctions prepared and we’ll impose them as appropriate.”

Despite vows to boost anti-Russia sanctions, Business Week published an op-ed on Wednesday arguing why US President Barack Obama won’t be able to “push harsher Russian sanctions.”

“The US lacks the hard evidence it needs to escalate to tougher sanctions,” the article said, warning Washington that there is “a risk in acting alone, and it’s not clear the risk is worth the limited rewards on offer.”

The Obama administration is also working on a package of assistance for Ukraine’s military. The assistance is expected to be finalized this week.

Kiev has asked for military assistance from Washington but the White House claims it is not actively considering supplying lethal assistance.

US Secretary of state John Kerry arrived in Geneva on Wednesday for the talks.