Ukraine: US imposes new sanctions on individuals and groups linked to Russian invasion

The United States on Thursday imposed new sanctions on individuals and groups that have facilitated Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Treasury Department said on Thursday.

The new sanctions target 22 individuals and two entities that advanced Moscow's objectives in Ukraine both before and after Russia's February invasion of its neighbor, the department said in a statement.

The new sanctions are being imposed in coordination with the Commerce Department, which is imposing new export controls on Russia, and the State Department, which is targeting Russia's defense and high-technology industries, the statement said.

"As Ukraine presses forward with defending its freedom, today we're taking steps to further degrade Russia’s ability to rebuild its military, hold perpetrators of violence accountable, and further financially isolate Putin," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said. 

This follows a rapid advance by Ukraine into areas seized by Russia after February 24. 

Britain's defence ministry said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces continue to consolidate their control of newly liberated areas of Kharkiv Oblast.

However, fears are mounting among the international community that Moscow will launch a fierce counter-attack following these loses.