U.S. could hit Putin with sanctions, State Department says

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The United States could potentially impose sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin himself over the crisis in Ukraine, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on Monday, but she suggested such a step would not be taken soon.

Asked by Russian radio station Ekho Moskvy in an interview on Twitter whether the United States was considering the possibility of hitting Putin personally with sanctions, Psaki replied: "Yes. Impt (important) to lay out consequences. U.S. able to sanction people, companies, and sectors. Goal not sanctions. Goal de-escalation."