Russia reinforced its military presence in the Black Sea by sending two warships to the area and 15 smaller ships amid tensions with Ukraine.
The military maneuvers reported by Reuters come as Russia has built its military presence along the border with Ukraine and the fighting in Eastern Ukraine with pro-Russian separatists.
The stakes are the latest sign of escalation with the US over Ukraine.
The US imposed a slew of sanctions on Russia this week for its malicious behavior, including interference in the elections and actions in Ukraine. The US government has also expelled 10 Russian diplomats from school.
Moscow responded in the same way, kicking 10 Americans out of Russia.
“There are elements of this new EO [executive order] that give us additional powers that we do not exercise today, ”a senior US official said Thursday, warning of additional steps the White House could take.
“We should prefer not to deploy these authorities, but the scale and potential to have a meaningful impact should send a clear signal that continued malicious activity, including further electoral interference, further malicious cyber activity, is unacceptable and we are high and persistent impose charges if this behavior continues, ”the official added.
In addition to US pressure, the UK has also summoned the Russian ambassador, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with leaders from France and Germany to discuss the latest Russian military action.