Trump signs new defense budget that envisages sanctions against Russia

WASHINGTON, Dec 21, 2019 (BSS/TASS) – US President Donald Trump has signed the defense budget for the fiscal year 2020 (started on October 1) which envisages imposing sanctions on Russia.

The defense budget stands at $738 billion, which is 3.1% more than in the
2019 fiscal year ($716 billion). Around $635 billion is allocated to the
Pentagon, and $71.5 to continuing military operations in Afghanistan, Syria,
Yemen and to fighting against terrorism in other countires. A total of $31.5
billion is allocated for maintaining the combat capabilities of the nuclear
weapons and their modernization through the US Department of Energy, and for other defense purposes.

Military aid to Ukraine will stand at $300 million, which is $50 million
more than in 2019.

The defense budget plan also envisages introducting sanctions against
Russia over the Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream gas pipeline projects, as
well as restrictions in the framework of the CAESAR Syria Civilian Protection Act.

The embargo for direct cooperation with Moscow in the military sphere has
once again been extended, and the US government is advised against
recognizing Crimea’s status as part of Russia. (Picture Caption : epa08084321 US President Donald J. Trump signs the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 inside Hangar Six at Joint Base Andrews in Suitland, Maryland, USA, 20 December 2019. The 738 billion US dollar military funding bill includes the creation of the Space Force. EPA-EFE/Al Drago / POOL)