The White House says new penalties expected this week against Russia for its action against Ukraine will affect the people closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Deputy national security adviser Tony Blinken says sanctions already in place are projected to push the Russian economy into negative growth.

He tells CNN’s “State of the Union” that those around Putin “are going to be affected” by additional penalties expected to be announced early this week.

Earlier Sunday, President Barack Obama said in Malaysia that the U.S. would be in a stronger position to deter Putin once Putin sees the world is unified in punishing Russia.

Obama said Russia wasn’t abiding by a deal reached to ease tensions.

(AP)