US imposes sanctions on 17 Russian firms

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on 17 firms and 7 Russian officials linked to President Vladimir Putin's inner circle to punish what it said were "provocative acts" in Ukraine. Washington is also tightening licensing requirements for certain hi-tech exports to Russia that could have a military use, the White House announced in a statement issued in Manila, where President Barack Obama is on a state visit. "The United States has taken further action today in response to Russia's continued illegal intervention in Ukraine and provocative acts that undermine Ukraine's democracy and threaten its peace, security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," said White House spokesman Jay Carney in a statement, according to AFP.