US Sanctions Russians for Election Meddling

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The Trump administration is joining harsh international condemnation of Russia for a nerve agent attack in Britain blamed on Moscow, while for the first time imposing fresh sanctions — directly blaming Russia for election interference.

Asked by a reporter Thursday about the the poison attack targeting a former double agent in Salisbury, President Donald Trump replied, "It certainly looks like the Russians were behind it."

He described the March 4 attempted assassination of the ex-spy as a "very sad situation." He said the U.S. was taking the matter "very seriously, as I think are many others."

Trump had appeared reluctant previously to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin or to take strong action against Russia.

The president has repeatedly declared there was no collusion between his election campaign and Russia and that U.S. investigations into such allegations are a "witch hunt."

On Thursday, the U.S. government joined those of Britain, France and Germany in backing London's conclusion holding Russia responsible for the nerve agent attack. The joint statement says "there is no plausible alternative explanation" and "Russia's failure to address the legitimate request by the government of the United Kingdom further underlines Russia's responsibility."