1st LD Writethru: U.S. releases "Putin list" of Russians eligible for sanctions

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States has published a long-awaited list of Russian officials and business leaders eligible for sanctions for alleged meddling in the U.S. presidential elections.

Aiming at increasing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, the list, published shortly before midnight Monday, includes 114 senior Russian political personages, as well as 96 "oligarchs" deemed by the Treasury Department.

According to the Treasury, each figure has an estimated net worth of 1 billion U.S. dollars.

The list tries to expose those who have gained benefits in terms of wealth or power through relations with Putin. However, it does not impose any sanctions on the individuals. Enditem