The United States is imposing sanctions on over 150 businesses and individuals from Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Georgia in an effort to crack down on evasion and deny the Kremlin access to technology, money, and financial channels that support President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. The sanctions package, one of the largest by the State and Treasury departments, targets people and companies in countries, including NATO member Turkey, that sell Western technology to Russia for its war efforts. It also aims to hinder the development of Russia’s energy sector and sources of cash, such as Arctic natural gas projects, mining, and weapon production.
“The purpose of the action is to restrict Russia’s defense production capacity and reduce its liquidity to pay for its war,” said James O’Brien, head of the State Department’s Office of Sanctions Coordination.
The sanctions also include targeting a newly established UAE company that provides engineering and technology to Russia’s Arctic liquefied natural gas project, as well as multiple Russian companies involved in its development. Russia wants the Arctic LNG 2 project to produce more liquefied natural gas and establish itself as a significant player in the energy market.
The package also imposes sanctions on Turkish and Russian companies that assist Moscow in sourcing U.S. and European electronic components for civilian and military equipment. The State Department is also targeting Turkish companies that have provided ship repair services to a company affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Defense.
According to O’Brien, Russia used to import up to 90% of its electronics from countries within the Group of 7 wealthy democracies before the war, but sanctions have decreased that figure to around 30%. The effectiveness of the sanctions is evident on the battlefield, as Ukraine has been able to shoot down most of what Russia fires, suggesting a gap in Russia’s capabilities.
Although Russia still has significant financial reserves, it may resort to importing technology in small batches to maintain defense production. Analysts suggest that Western companies must be cautious about selling crucial technology to countries with a healthy resale market to Russia.
The United Arab Emirates and Turkey, although they have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have not joined Western sanctions and seek to maintain ties with Russia. Turkey relies heavily on Russian energy and tourism, while the UAE follows international laws when it comes to money laundering and sanctions.
Despite ongoing business with Russia, the State Department believes that the sanctions are effective. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has targeted nearly 3,000 businesses and individuals with sanctions.
U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated, “The United States and its allies and partners are united in supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal war. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
In addition to sanctions on businesses and individuals, the State Department has also targeted a Russian citizen associated with the Wagner mercenary group and facilitating the shipment of weapons from North Korea to Russia. Other targets include a Russian oligarch with ties to the Russian Defense Minister and organized crime, a Russian Intelligence Services officer, and a Georgian-Russian oligarch who influenced Georgian society and politics for Russia’s benefit.
Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.
Focus keyword: U.S. sanctions, Russia, warplanes
