DHAKA: The United States on Monday imposed sanctions against seven Russian government officials and 17 companies linked to president Vladimir Putin in its latest action to punish Moscow for its intervention in Ukraine.

The White House said the seven Russians, including Igor Sechin, head of Russia’s major oil company Rosneft and a close ally of Putin, are now subject to a freeze on any assets they hold in the United States and a ban on US travel.

In addition, the United States will deny export license applications for any high-technology items that could contribute to Russian military capabilities.

The Commerce and State Departments will revoke any existing export licenses that meet these conditions, the White House said, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 2059 HRS, APR 28, 2014