Russia Says Fresh U.S. Sanctions 'Political Provocation'

Moscow said Wednesday it was baffled by fresh sanctions imposed by Washington on Crimea's biggest bank and a Russian nationalist group, calling the move a "political provocation."

The U.S. Treasury released the new blacklist, which also included eight pro-Russian separatist leaders operating in eastern Ukraine where a ceasefire is seen as largely holding despite sporadic clashes.

"It's difficult to understand what is guiding the U.S. Treasury Department and other authorities in introducing sanctions and expanding the sanctions lists," said Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov, cited by the Interfax news agency.

"We see no logical link that would in some way explain such decisions, given Washington's declaration that it is interested in the situation returning to normal," Ryabkov added.

He also described Washington's continued accusations that Moscow is backing the separatists in eastern Ukraine as "dreary and pointless."

"Over this whole period, not once have we received any proof from the Americans that Russia is in some way supporting the people fighting for their freedom in the southeast (of Ukraine). It's embarrassing even just talking about it," Ryabkov said.

"This is a vicious circle. We are not ready to succumb to this type of political provocation," he added.

The U.S. Treasury called the sanctions "part of an ongoing effort to hold accountable those responsible for violations of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"That includes individuals, organizations, businesses, and the governments that support them," said Treasury Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Adam Szubin.

"If Russia continues to support destabilizing activity in Ukraine and violate the Minsk agreements and implementation plan, the already substantial costs it faces will continue to rise," he said.