THE ANGER: Moscow strongly criticized U.S. trade legislation calling for sanctions against Russian officials accused of human rights abuses. Russia warned of a response, saying the U.S. will have to take the blame for worsening ties between the two countries.
THE BILL: The legislation is primarily intended to end Cold War-era trade restrictions. It was hailed by U.S. businesses worried about falling behind in the race to win shares of Russia’s opening market. But it has a human rights component, which has outraged Russia’s government.
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THE OPPOSITION: Russia’s leading anti-corruption crusader, Alexei Navalny, hailed the bill as “pro-Russian,” however.
