The President Joe Biden administration is expected to announce sanctions of Russian individuals and entities in response to the hack of SolarWinds and election interference.
In addition, there will be new financial restrictions and the expulsion of dozens of Russian diplomats from the US, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
The officials said the sanctions will target intelligence and government officials and entities involved in the SolarWinds cyber intrusion.
One of the US officials said the rollout of these actions has been prolonged than anticipated because the White House was not satisfied with the options the State Department initially presented and wanted more expanded sanctions.
The White House announced an intelligence review of Russia’s “reckless and adversarial actions” in a wide array of areas during President Joe Biden’s first week in office.
Another source familiar, tells CNN that the administration is expected to take measures against Russia on Thursday and is coordinating with European allies.
These actions will be rolled out in the form of an executive order from Biden, as well as sanctions coordinated with the State Department and the Treasury Department, the officials said.
State Department officials have called US allies and are preparing for potential Russian responses.
The Russian diplomats who are being expelled are based in Washington, DC, and New York, and they will have 30 days to leave the country, the US official familiar with the plans explained.
New financial restrictions, consisting of efforts to target Russian sovereign debt, will be put in place, which could hurt Russia’s economy. It is unclear if these sanctions will be enough to change Russian behavior, the officials said.
