U.S. and UK ready to punish Putin associates if Russia invades Ukraine
WASHINGTON/LONDON/MOSCOW, Jan 31 (Reuters) - The United States and its allies have prepared a list of Russian elites in or near President Vladimir Putin's inner circle to punish with sanctions if Russia sends troops into Ukraine, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.
Britain urged Putin to "step back from the brink" after the Russian buildup of troops near Ukraine stoked fears of war, and warned any incursion would trigger sanctions against companies and people close to the Kremlin.