Number: RL33407
Title: Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests
Authors: Stuart D. Goldman, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: After the Soviet Union's collapse, the United States sought a cooperative relationship with Moscow and supplied over $14 billion to encourage democracy and market reform, for humanitarian aid, and for WMD threat reduction in Russia. Direct U.S. foreign aid to Russia under the Freedom Support Act fell in the past decade, due in part to congressional pressure. U.S. aid in the form of WMD threat reduction programs, and indirect U.S. aid through institutions such as the IMF, however, was substantial. The United States has imposed economic sanctions on the Russian government and on Russian organizations for exporting nuclear and military technology and equipment to Iran and Syria. There are restrictions on aid to Russia in the FY2008 foreign aid bill.
Pages: 25
Date: October 6, 2008