US 'oligarch list' postpones Russia sanctions risk

Significance

The list contains the names of officials and members of the business elite whom the US authorities regard as part of or closely linked to the 'inner circle' of President Vladimir Putin.

Impacts

• Congressional pressure for tougher penalties for Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election will continue.
• US-Russian engagement on Syria and North Korea is unlikely to be affected by the 'oligarch' list.
• Publication of the list is unlikely to prompt changes to EU sanctions policy.