On Wednesday, the US administration announced new economic sanctions against Russia for allegedly using chemical weapons to poison former intelligence chief, Sergey Scrippal, and his daughter in the British city of Salisbury in March.

According to NBC, "the first package of new sanctions presupposes a ban on the supply of dual-use US products to Russia. The second package includes a reduction in the level of diplomatic relations, a ban on flights by Aeroflot and a near-total suspension of US exports to Russia." 

The US State Department explained that Russia could avoid the second wave of sanctions, if they ensure the non-use of chemical weapons, in the future, without explaining how.

In addition, a bill was presented to the US Congress last week with a full set of anti-Russian measures, including sanctions on Russia's state debt and state-owned banks.