In an effort to impede Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, the U.S. government is urging American companies to halt shipments to over 600 foreign parties. According to a U.S. official, the Commerce Department has sent warning letters to at least 20 companies in recent weeks as part of ongoing efforts to limit Russia’s access to Western technology. These companies produce and sell products commonly found in missiles and drones recovered in Ukraine.
The U.S., along with more than 30 other countries, has imposed sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 in an attempt to limit its access to Western technology. Despite these efforts, American components have been discovered in Russian weapons left on the battlefield in Ukraine, prompting Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod to send letters to more than 20 American companies requesting them to voluntarily cease shipments to over 600 foreign parties due to a significant risk of transshipment to Russia.
Axelrod also stated that senior U.S. officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have been communicating directly with leaders of U.S. companies to explore additional measures that can be taken to prevent their products from reaching Russia. The goal is further hinder Russia’s ability to wage war by cutting off the supply of critical components and materials necessary for its military operations.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there have been growing concerns about the possibility of transshipment of goods from the West being used by Moscow for its military activities in Eastern Europe.
The Commerce Department’s actions are aimed at ensuring that American products do not contribute indirectly