In the United States, a number of reports have been prepared on the possibilities of expanding sanctions against Russia, including a list of Russian oligarchs and potential restrictions on the Russian government's debt obligations.

Recall that the differences between Moscow and Washington are connected with accusations against Moscow of interfering in the presidential elections of 2016, as well as with the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

The reports were prepared by the Ministry of Finance and the State Department by order of the Congress.

"The Ministry of Finance ... is planning to present a report today and take the process to the next level," CNN Deputy Press Secretary of the White House told CNN on Monday.. A little later, another representative of the White House said that the report was expected to contain a list of persons suspected of violations.

It is not clear yet whether the publication of the reports will result in the imposition of new sanctions, but Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told journalists that Russia considers these reports an attempt to influence the upcoming presidential election in March.

Congress and millions of Americans urge Russia to be punished for interfering in elections. However, on closer examination of the issues raised in the reports, it becomes clear that the initiative is much larger than just an attempt to damage the Russian economy or respond to interference in elections.

In the reports, the Ministry of Finance and the State Department explain which agencies are involved in the process and how decisions will be taken.

In July, Congress passed by an overwhelming majority of votes a law on sanctions against US opponents. The document signed by the president, despite his objections, requires the administration to impose sanctions on legal entities and individuals related to the Russian defense and intelligence sectors.

In the end, the list included 33 such persons. In the event that companies from other countries of the world are found to be in charge of dealing with these persons, they can be sanctioned.

Earlier, a representative of the Ministry of Finance told a Newsweek correspondent that the department is actively working on reports on Russian oligarchs and the possible expansion of sanctions that could affect government debt and derivatives.

"Every time sanctions are imposed, their effect is actually wider than the one declared," explains Defense Ministry spokesman Mario Mancuso. "If you are doing business internationally, you are familiar with the sanctions legislation and you know that you can deal with a certain person from Russia, you probably still prefer not to do it, even if it's not forbidden, thinking:" And when will it happen? " The next blow? ". And the US government knows this ".

According to a source close to the case in the State Department, the US sanctions policy with regard to Russia clearly dictates to the Putin government to stop interference in Ukraine and to implement the Minsk agreements concluded in 2015 by Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia to ensure peace in Ukraine.