U.S. Sanctions Putin, Key Aides as Russian Forces Encircle Kyiv

(Bloomberg) — Global condemnation of Vladimir Putin quickened Friday with the U.S. sanctioning the Russian leader and several key aides as his troops met opposition in Ukraine’s capital.

“President Putin and Minister Lavrov are directly responsible for Russia’s unprovoked and unlawful further invasion of Ukraine,” the U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement, referring to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.