November 21, 2023
2 mins read

US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Russian Military Officials

According to the State Department, Colonel Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade when Moscow’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town of Andriivka…reports Asian Lite News

The US imposed visa restrictions on two Russian military officials for their alleged involvement in “gross violations of human rights” in Ukraine amid the raging war.

In a statement on Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Azatbek Omurbekov, also known as “The Butcher of Bucha” who is a Colonel in the Russian Armed Forces, has been designated “for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the extrajudicial killings of unarmed Ukrainian civilians from Andriivka”.

The second designated military official was idenified as Daniil Frolkin, a Guard Corporal who was allegedly involved “in a gross violation of human rights, namely the extrajudicial killing of an unarmed Ukrainian civilian in Andriivka”.

“As a result of today’s action, Omurbekov, Frolkin, and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the US,” Blinken was quoted as saying in the statement.

According to the State Department, Colonel Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade when Moscow’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town of Andriivka.

“Omurbekov later led the brigade to Bucha where the Department of State determined that the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade killed, beat, dismembered, burned, and conducted mock executions of civilians,” it added.

Blinken went on to say that by publicly designating Omurbekov and Frolkin, “the US reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, acknowledging the injustice experienced by victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for those responsible for human rights violations”.

“The US stands committed to promoting accountability for Russia’s abuses and atrocities against the people of Ukraine. We will continue to use all appropriate avenues to pursue justice for Ukraine.

“We stand with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rule of law, for as long as it takes,” he added.

The announcement of the new visa sanctions comes on the same day that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a surprise trip to Ukraine to emphasise continued US support to the war-torn nation.

As part of his trip, Austin announced an additional $100 million in security assistance for Ukraine.

ALSO READ-US Ambassador Announces Swift Visa Processing in India

Previous Story

UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report Urges Urgent Climate Action

Next Story

Festive Wisdom from Ayurveda

Latest from -Top News

UK MPs Slam Pakistan Over Minority Abuses

Minority communities such as Shias, Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadis continue to face harassment, violence, and intimidation. In many cases, law enforcement either turns a blind eye or enables the attacks through inaction…reports

Words Won’t Stop China, Quad Must Deliver

 If the Quad aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence, it must expand its focus beyond the maritime domain and address the continental dynamics of the Indo-Pacific…writes Imran Khurshid Despite early concerns that

India Stays Neutral on Dalai Lama Succession

As exiled Tibetan spiritual leader approaches his 90th birthday, he asserted on Wednesday that there will be the 15th reincarnation…reports Asian Lite News Responding to the Dalai Lama’s recent remarks, India on

USAID cut could kill 14 million more deaths

Human rights advocates and global health experts have expressed alarm at the speed and scale of the cuts…reports Asian Lite News A new study published in The Lancet has warned that ongoing

Trump goes nuclear on Mamdani

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and son of Indian-Ugandan immigrants, secured a surprise victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.;…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump has intensified his
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Biden invites PMs of Australia, Papua New Guinea

The announcement comes days after Biden cancelled the second planned

Another ‘object’ shot down, this time over Lake Huron

The operation marks the third day in a row that