The US Treasury Department announced on January 10 that it would impose restrictions on several Russian companies and individuals connected to the Russian energy sector. Among those affected are Alexei Lichachov, the general director of the state-owned atomic energy corporation Rosatom, and other top managers of the energy company.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Lichachov said that the recently announced sanctions did not only evoke negative emotions. According to the US Treasury Department’s explanation, Rosatom was sanctioned for developing advanced nuclear technologies. The department also mentioned that Rosatom builds nuclear power plants abroad, but also develops new nuclear materials, among other things.
Lichachov elaborated, “This resembles a certificate of achievement rather than a sanctions decision. In my opinion, this confirms our achievements.”
The sanctions, he added, had no practical significance for the management of Rosatom, as they had neither assets nor accounts in the US. “This is more a demonstration against us – an unfriendly recognition of our achievements” he said.
In addition to Lichachov, a total of 13 top managers of the Russian giant company were added to the sanctions list. According to the US Treasury Department, a total of around 70 organizations and individuals connected to Rosatom have already been subject to restrictions.
The imposition of personal sanctions against the top executives of the Russian state-owned company only underscores their unjust and illegal character, the energy company stated earlier in a statement. The sanctions themselves would be seen as a part of the unfair competition by unfriendly states.
Russian media cite the company’s statement as saying, “We have been living under a regime of increasing sanctions pressure for almost three years now. We have adapted and are prepared for all developments. Rosatom continues to work and fulfill its obligations to its partners in full.