US on cutting off Russian banks from SWIFT: no option ruled out

WASHINGTON, Jan 18 (PRIME) -- The U.S. does not rule out any options with regard to Russia, including the possibility of disconnecting Russian banks from the SWIFT system, in case of further escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council told reporters late on Monday.

“No option is off the table,” the official said when asked whether Washington and E.U. countries have ruled out disconnecting Russian banks from SWIFT as an option for possible sanctions.

“Washington continues consulting very closely with European counterparts on severe consequences for Russia if it further invades Ukraine,” the spokesperson said.

Handelsblatt reported previously, citing sources, that the U.S. and the E.U. ruled out disconnection of Russian banks from the SWIFT system among possible sanctions.

According to the sources, targeted economic sanctions against the largest Russian banks are being prepared instead.

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