DISINFO: US sanctions contribute to coronavirus pandemic
SUMMARY
US sanctions against Russia and Iran contribute to the spread of coronavirus and create a humanitarian catastrophe. Coronavirus deaths are on the US’ conscience.
RESPONSE
Another pro-Kremlin narrative, which is not supported by facts. In a statement issued on March 23, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that such "fabrications" put Iranians and people around the world at greater risk. He also reiterated that US sanctions did not target imports of food, medicine, or other humanitarian goods. The United States imposed sanctions on Russian persons (individuals, entities, and vessels) in response to Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, its invasion of eastern Ukraine, election meddling, malicious cyber-enabled activities, human rights abuses, use of a chemical weapon, weapons proliferation, illicit trade with North Korea and support to Syria and Venezuela. In the past six years, the United States has imposed more than 70 rounds of sanctions on Russian individuals and companies, but these sanctions, as well as sanctions on Iran, have nothing to do with the spread of coronavirus.