Ukraine war: US, allies impose new Russia sanctions after Bucha massacre; Boris Johnson calls it ‘genocide’

The United States and its major allies imposed a new round of sanctions on Russia to inflict “serve and immediate economic costs” for atrocities committed in Ukraine, including the massacre of civilians by Russian soldiers in the northern town of Bucha.

The latest round of measures by the US, the European Union and other Group of Seven nations includes a ban on new investment in Russia and sanctions against Russia’s largest banks, Sberbank and Alfa Bank, and against more Russian elites and their family members, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two adult children.

“As long as Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, we will stand unified with our allies and partners in imposing additional costs on Russia for its actions,” the White House said in a statement on Wednesday.

The new round of sanctions came on the same day that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson used the word “genocide” for the first time to describe Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Johnson said last month that he believed Russia’s actions in invading Ukraine consisted a “war crime”, but had avoided the use of the word genocide.