"New US Sanctions on Russia Target Heart of Putin's Energy Empire"

"New US sanctions on Russia are the strongest yet against Russia. The point of new Russia sanctions on five major energy firms is to 'shut down' Russia's deepwater, shale, and Arctic exploration, according to one senior US official."

"WASHINGTON — The United States hit Russia on Friday with a new round of economic sanctions, levying penalties on Russia's largest bank and expanding financing restrictions on major energy and defense companies.

The new Russia sanctions include five major energy firms and are intended to 'shut down' Russia's deepwater, shale, and Arctic exploration, according to one senior US official, as reported by Reuters.

'We will deepen and broaden sanctions in Russia’s financial, energy, and defense sectors,' President Obama said in a statement released Thursday, a day ahead of the Russia sanctions rollout. 'These measures will increase Russia’s political isolation as well as the economic costs to Russia, especially in areas of importance to President Putin and those close to him.'"

The Associated Press had the story September 12, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Ukraine Crisis: Why Has Russian Gas Through Ukraine Dropped 20 Percent?" (Christian Science Monitor)

"German And Polish Gas Operators Report Lower Supply From Russia" (Reuters)

"New Sanctions to Stall Exxon’s Arctic Oil Plans" (New York Times)