WASHINGTON, December 22. /TASS/. US President Joe Biden will sign an executive decree on December 22, aimed at toughening sanctions against Russia and restrictions against financial institutions that make transactions, in the opinion of Washington, in interests of the Russian defense industry, a high-ranking US official said at a special telephone briefing dedicated to this executive order.

"President [Joe] Biden tomorrow [on Friday - TASS] is going to a sign a new executive order expanding powers on introduction of sanctions against Russian with the focus on parties providing financial assistance" to the Russian defense sector," the official said.

"This executive order is an important step to further undermine material support of the Russian military industrial base and to counter Russia’s attempts to build up its military potential," the official added.