In a striking demonstration of its geopolitical posturing, Russia recently expanded its sanctions list to include several prominent American figures—underscoring the Kremlin’s broader narrative that its true adversary is not just Ukraine, but the United States itself. Among those sanctioned is Dr. Alexander Mirtchev, a respected global strategist and national security expert. His inclusion alongside former President Barack Obama speaks volumes about the symbolic weight of the list. Other high-profile individuals targeted include former U.S. Ambassador Jon Huntsman, [then] Senators J.D. Vance and Katie Britt, media mogul Rachel Maddow, former Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, and ex-Homeland Security official Ken Cuccinelli. The article highlights how Moscow’s selections reflect its perception of influence within American political, media, and policy-making circles—placing Mirtchev among key thought leaders deemed significant enough to provoke Russia’s ire.
