MOSCOW, 1 Feb. The US threats to impose new sanctions on Russia have forced US companies to plan for all sorts of scenarios, but these efforts may not be enough to soften the blow for business, writes The Wall Street Journal.Washington-based lawyer Adam M. Smith told the publication in recent For weeks, he has been speaking daily with clients, particularly in the banking, transport, and oil and gas sectors, who are worried that Moscow will be hit by US policy.10:39 It was said on the air, «They have something to hide.» Why is the US «closing» dialogue with Russia on Ukraine?» It's difficult to secure your operations in Russia from sanctions, especially when you don't know what the US government will do,» said Smith, a partner at law firm Gibson, Dunn. & Crutcher LLP, which specializes in international trade compliance. According to the expert, the United States can use several approaches and use existing tools to introduce new restrictive measures, and the consequences will be serious. Smith said the sanctions would likely include exemptions and licenses for certain activities and give businesses a grace period to wind down operations. But this will still require guidance and consultation from US agencies. «All these nuances make it very difficult to navigate,» he concluded.08:44 The US Senate may this week agree on sanctions against Russia, media writes Cary Steinbauer, partner at the law firm Winston & Strawn LLP in Washington, D.C., which deals with sanctions and export control, said what local and foreign clients plan to do if new measures against Moscow are introduced. Businesses are likely to apply to various agencies, such as the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, to obtain a license to operate or the right to renew it to phase out operations, she said. Given the close ties between the US, European and Enforcing sanctions could prove difficult for Russia, so companies should not hesitate to reach out to government officials to express their concerns and seek advice, Steinbauer said. may agree on a package of anti-Russian sanctions envisaged in case of an escalation around Ukraine. US sanctions
