The U.S. government has issued a warning to American companies to halt shipments to over 600 foreign entities out of concern that the goods could be diverted to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine, according to a U.S. official. This comes after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. and more than 30 other countries to limit Russia’s access to Western technology and resources. Despite these measures, American components have still been found in Russian weapons left on the battlefield in Ukraine, prompting Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod to send letters to American companies listing more than 600 foreign parties to whom shipments should be temporarily halted due to the high risk of transshipment to Russia.
Axelrod spoke at the Commerce Department’s annual export control conference in Washington, D.C., stating that officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have been in direct contact with senior leaders of U.S. companies to discuss additional steps they can take to prevent their products from being used in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The goal is to ensure that U.S. companies are aware of the risks and are taking proactive measures to prevent their products from ending up in Russia.
The U.S government has taken steps beyond just issuing warnings, as it urges American companies not only halt shipments but also review their current business practices and partnerships with foreign entities that may have ties with Russia’s military or weapons program.
The Commerce Department has also increased its efforts towards monitoring exports going towards countries with potential links with Russia’s military or weapons program, which includes background checks on both exporters and buyers.
In summary, the U.S government is urging American companies not only halt shipments but also review their current business practices and partnerships with foreign entities that may have ties with Russia’s military or weapons program while increasing its efforts towards monitoring exports going towards countries with potential links with Russia’s military or weapons program.
