US imposes sanctions on hundreds of firms, countries linked to Russia's weapons development program

In a fresh wave of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the US on Wednesday imposed new sanctions on hundreds of firms, countries and people tied to Russia’s weapons development program.

The Treasury and State departments have accused over a dozen Chinese firms of aiding Russia in circumventing sanctions and individuals associated with the death of Russian dissident Alexey Navalny.

The sanctions imposed by these departments target various aspects of Russia’s military-industrial complex, including its chemical weapons programs. Additionally, they focus on entities in third countries that facilitate Russia’s acquisition of weapons components. These actions come as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year.

The Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nearly 200 entities, while the State Department designated over 80 individuals and entities. Specifically, the US imposed sanctions on 20 companies based in China and Hong Kong.

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This move follows repeated warnings from Washington regarding China’s assistance to Russia’s military, notably highlighted during recent visits to China by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Firms in several countries, including China, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates are alleged to have assisted Russia in acquiring technology and equipment from abroad. These penalties are intended to restrict their access to the US financial system and prohibit American citizens from engaging in transactions with them.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the action “will further disrupt and degrade Russia’s war efforts by going after its military-industrial base and the evasion networks that help supply it.”

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These sanctions follow President Biden’s recent announcement that the United States would promptly supply much-needed weaponry to Ukraine. This decision coincided with the signing into law of a $95 billion war aid measure, which also included support for Israel, Taiwan, and other global areas of concern.

Wednesday’s sanctions announcement included importers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose, crucial components used in the production of gunpowder, rocket propellants and other explosives. The sanctions also target Russian government entities, individuals linked to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs, and companies associated with Russia’s natural gas construction projects.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly railed against several rounds of U.S. and Western sanctions, claiming last year that they are “illegitimate sanctions” on his country.

Yellen said with the sanctions and supplemental funding combined, “our support for Ukraine and our relentless targeting of Russia’s military capacity is giving Ukraine a critical leg-up on the battlefield.”

With inputs from agencies.