CRI听力:US Expands Sanctions on Russia

US President Brarack Obama has signed an executive order to expand US economic sanctions against Russia over the Kremlin's move to absorb Crimea.

Obama's order is directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin's chief of staff and 19 other individuals, as well as a Russian bank.

"Based on the executive order that I signed in response to Russia's initial intervention in Ukraine we are imposing sanctions on more senior officials of the Russian government. In addition, we are today sanctioning a number of other individuals with substantial resources and influence who provide material support to the Russian leadership. As well as a bank that provides material support to these individuals."

In response, Russia has barred a number of US politicians and White House advisors from entering the country.

But at the same time, the Pentagon has confirmed Russia's minister of defence has reassured them Russia has no intention to entering mainland Ukraine.

Pentagon spokesperson Real Admiral John Kirby.

"It was a lengthy call, lasting about an hour, and I think it's fair to say that at times it was direct. But Secretary Hagel appreciated Minister Shoigu's time and the minister's assurance that the troops he has along the border are there to conduct exercises only. That they had no intention of crossing the border into Ukraine and that they would take no aggressive action."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling on Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct talks and exercise restraint to resolve the Crimean situation.

Ban Ki-moon's call follows a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

As the political wrangling takes place on the international front, Russia's lower house of parliament has ratified the treaty to annex Crimea and the city of Sevastopol with an almost unanimous vote.

The treaty is expected pass through the upper house of the Russian Duma later today.