Biden unveils sanctions on Russian businesses after 'premeditated' Ukraine attack

During White House remarks and answers to reporters' questions, Biden described Russian President Vladimir Putin as an aggressor with a "sinister vision of the world" and a misguided dream of recreating the Soviet Union. But he held back for now from imposing sanctions on Putin himself and from disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT international banking system, amid differences between the United States and its allies over how far to go at this juncture and criticism at home that he should have done more.

WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden hit Russia with a wave of sanctions on Thursday after Moscow invaded Ukraine, measures that impede Russia's ability to do business in major currencies along with sanctions against banks and state-owned enterprises.

During White House remarks and answers to reporters' questions, Biden described Russian President Vladimir Putin as an aggressor with a "sinister vision of the world" and a misguided dream of recreating the Soviet Union.