The United States has introduced sweeping new measures to cut off Russia’s supply chain by imposing sanctions on entities from China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. These entities are accused of supplying Russia’s military with essential components and technology, as well as supporting its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Secretary of the Treasury, Jane Yellen, emphasized that Russia relies on willing individuals and entities from other countries to sustain its military activities against Ukraine. The new sanctions target critical supply chains that have allowed Russia to bypass international sanctions and export controls. By exploiting legitimate economic relationships with China, Turkey, and the UAE, these entities are able to supply Russia with high-priority dual-use goods that can be utilized by both civilians and the military, such as vehicle parts and encryption software.
The latest sanctions introduced by the United States have received a positive response from Ukraine, particularly due to the inclusion of measures against Russia’s Lancet suicide drones, which pose an increasing threat to Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the sanctions as necessary, and his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed satisfaction that restrictions were being tightened against companies associated with Russia’s military-industrial complex.
In addition to the Treasury sanctions, the US Department of State added 100 new sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, metals, and mining sectors, defense procurement, and those involved in supporting the Russian government’s war effort and other malign activities. The Commerce Department further blacklisted 12 Russian companies and one from Uzbekistan for assisting Moscow in obtaining critical drone technology.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US, European Union, and other countries have already imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals and entities. These measures have impacted Russia’s economy, with frozen overseas assets, restricted exports, and increased costs of doing business in the country. However, despite the sanctions, Russia’s economy is expected to grow by 1.5 percent this year, partially due to economic support from countries like China, Turkey, and India.
In summary, the United States has introduced new sanctions targeting entities from China, Turkey, and the UAE for their involvement in supplying Russia’s military and supporting its war efforts in Ukraine. These measures aim to disrupt Russia’s supply chain and circumvent international sanctions by exploiting legitimate economic relationships. Ukrainian officials and the global sanctions coalition have welcomed these actions, but Russia’s economy is expected to continue growing with support from other countries.