This was reported by RIA Novosti with reference to a published draft prepared by a group of Democratic senators led by Robert Menendez.

"Mandatory sanctions against officials: sanctions are needed against officials, including President Putin, Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and commanders of various types of armed forces," the text of the bill says.

Earlier it was reported that Democratic senators will unveil a new package of sanctions against Russia in case the situation with Ukraine escalates.

In December, the Russian president, in talks with his American counterpart Joe Biden, said that Russian troops were deployed in the country and did not threaten anyone.

In November, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian leader, said Russia was not going to attack anyone.