Yellen warns ‘fence-sitters' not to undermine sanctions on Russia

WASHINGTON • Countries seeking an advantage by failing to condemn Russia’s “heinous war” against Ukraine are being shortsighted and will face consequences if they undermine Western sanctions, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said yesterday.

The United States and its partners “will not be indifferent” to actions that undermine the sweeping sanctions they have imposed on Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin over the invasion, she warned in remarks prepared for an event hosted by the Atlantic Council think-tank.

Ms Yellen said the war between Russia and Ukraine had redrawn the world economic outlook and the US was resolute in its commitment to hold Russia accountable for its “horrific conduct” and its violations of international law. “Rest assured, until Putin ends his heinous war of choice, the Biden administration will work with our partners to push Russia further towards economic, financial and strategic isolation,” she said.