US escalates efforts to prevent technology from reaching Russia for military purposes

The U.S. government is taking steps to prevent American companies from inadvertently aiding Russia in its invasion of Ukraine by asking them to halt shipments to over 600 foreign entities. The Commerce Department has sent letters to at least 20 companies warning them about the potential diversion of their products to Russia for use in the war effort.

These companies produce items like missiles and drones that have been found in Ukraine, highlighting the presence of American components in Russian weaponry. In response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and other countries have implemented sanctions to limit Russia’s access to Western technology.

At a recent export control conference in Washington, Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod revealed that letters had been sent to American companies identifying foreign parties at high risk of transshipment to Russia. The government has asked these companies to voluntarily suspend shipments to these entities to prevent their products from reaching Russia.

Senior U.S. officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have also engaged with leaders of American companies to discuss additional measures that can be taken to ensure their products do not end up in Russian hands. The goal is to further restrict Russia’s capabilities in the conflict by cutting off its access to crucial technology.