In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government is taking steps to prevent American companies from shipping goods to over 600 foreign parties that may be used in Russia’s conflict efforts. Letters have been sent by the Commerce Department to at least 20 companies in recent weeks, warning them of the significant risk of transshipment to Russia.
The U.S. has implemented sanctions against Russia since the invasion, targeting its ability to carry out its war by restricting access to Western technology. However, American components are still being found in Russian weapons left behind on the Ukrainian battlefield. Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod shared this information at the department’s annual export control conference in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the need for American companies to voluntarily halt shipments to these foreign parties.
In addition, Axelrod noted that senior officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have been communicating directly with senior leaders in U.S. companies to explore further actions they can take to prevent their products from being used in Russia. The efforts to prevent diversion of goods for use in conflict continue to be a top priority for the U.S. government as it seeks to support Ukraine and mitigate Russia’s aggression.
The U.S government has taken a proactive stance towards preventing American companies from contributing towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through their exports overseas. The letters sent by Commerce Department request American companies voluntarily stop shipments to over 600 foreign parties who may be used by Russia for conflict purposes.
Since Moscow invaded Ukraine in 2014, over 30 countries including the US have imposed sanctions on Russia aimed at limiting its ability to carry out its war effort by restricting access to Western technology.
However, despite these measures American components are still being found in Russian weapons left behind on Ukrainian battlefields which means that there is still work that needs to be done.
Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod spoke about this issue at a recent export control conference stating that letters have been sent out requesting American companies voluntarily halt shipments due to significant risks of transshipment and diversion of goods.
Furthermore, Axelrod also mentioned that senior officials from Commerce department along with State and Treasury departments have been communicating with senior leaders of U
