SWIFT and wide: How Western sanctions target Russia for Ukraine crisis

One of the harshest measures would be to disconnect the Russian financial system from SWIFT, which handles international financial transfers.

The United States and its allies are coordinating new sanctions on Russia after Moscow recognised two regions in eastern Ukraine as independent, officials said.

Details have started to emerge on the steps taken or planned by the United States, European Union, Britain and other Western powers. Below are details on the curbs proposed so far and what other sanctions could target Russia:

BANKS & FINANCIAL FIRMS

Britain announced sanctions on five banks--Bank Rossiya, Black Sea Bank, Genbank, IS Bank and Promsvyazbank--all are smaller lenders, with only Promsvyazbank on the central bank's list of systematically important lenders.

U.S. President Joe Biden