Reuters — Experts question Trump decision to hold off on Russian sanctions

Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor at King’s College London [said], “the main concern is clearly not wanting to upset Russia more.”

Au contraire. I suspect that the biggest reason — and one that no one in the US government will talk about above a whisper in a secure room — is that the US is one the verge of losing Europe and either the president has figured this out for himself or he is being told by his advisers.

The US is also losing global leverage based on soft power. The US must therefore rely more and more on hard power, and that is also resulting in a predictable reaction.

Russian Prime Minister Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov are among those targeted for sanction. Putin just trolled, why not me?

The entire Russian government is included in the US Treasury’s ‘Kremlin List,’ which also features scores of influential businessmen. Moscow slammed the report, saying it virtually amounts to a breakdown of ties. — RT

Jumping the shark.

Reuters
Experts question Trump decision to hold off on Russian sanctions
Warren Strobel, Pete Schroeder

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Sputnik International
WATCH: Joe Biden Says Europe 'Wanted No Part of the Sanctions on Russia'

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Sputnik International
US 'Kremlin Report' Tool of Unfair Competition - Military Cooperation Service

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The Kremlin has described the list as an attempt to interfere in the upcoming 2018 Russian presidential election.

Sputnik International
US Includes Russian PM Medvedev, FM Lavrov, Other Top Figures in 'Kremlin List'

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The release of the so-called ‘Kremlin List’ by the US Treasury Department increases uncertainty in the Russian business environment and can affect interests of European investors and companies doing business or trading with Russia, the Association of European Businesses (AEB) said on Tuesday.

"The Association reiterates its calls on the Heads of States and Governments of the EU, the USA and Russia to refrain from actions, which can undermine the prospects of future economic cooperation, and find a common, mutually acceptable, solution of political problems in the spirit of peace and conciliation," the AEB said.

TASS
‘Kremlin List’ can affect interests of European business in Russia — AEB

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Russian PM jokes that cabinet members not on US ‘Kremlin List’ should step down

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German businessmen say sanctions on Russia fraught with serious risks

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Ex-finance minister [Kudrin] urges not to break ties with US because of 'Kremlin List'