US Officials: Sanctions On Russia To Be Delayed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Obama administration officials say sanctions aimed at key economic sectors in Russia because of its threatening moves in Ukraine might be delayed because of positive signals from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The officials and others close to the process say the United States and its European allies are finalizing a package of sanctions with the goal of putting them in place as early as this week. Penalizing large swaths of the Russian economy, including its lucrative energy industry, would ratchet up the West's punishments against Moscow.

The U.S. and Europe have already sanctioned Russian individuals and entities, including some with close ties to Putin, but have so far stayed away from the broader penalties, in part because of concern from European countries that have close economic ties with Russia.