U.S. Expands Sanctions on Russia, Targets 400 Entities and Individuals

The United States imposed sanctions on over 400 entities and individuals, including Chinese firms, for supporting Russia's military efforts in Ukraine. The measures target companies involved in shipping machine tools, microelectronics, and materiel, as well as financial firms aiding in evasion of sanctions and laundering gold. The sanctions also inhibit Russia's energy sector and future projects.

The United States has ramped up its sanctions against more than 400 entities and individuals assisting Russia's war effort in Ukraine, the State Department announced on Friday. This move targets various Chinese firms accused of helping Moscow bypass Western sanctions and strengthening Russia's military capabilities.

The measures focus on companies involved in transporting machine tools and microelectronics to Russia, as outlined in a State Department fact sheet. The U.S. Treasury Department is also cracking down on transnational networks procuring ammunition and other equipment for Russia, aiding Russian oligarchs in evading sanctions, and laundering gold for sanctioned firms.

Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo stated, "Russia has turned its economy into a tool for the Kremlin's military-industrial complex. Companies, financial institutions, and governments worldwide must ensure they do not support Russia's military-industrial supply chains."

Additionally, the Biden administration added 123 entities to the U.S. export control list, requiring suppliers to obtain licenses before trading with the targeted companies. New additions include 63 entities in Russia and 42 in China.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and its ongoing aggression, the U.S. Treasury continues to impose sanctions on several Russian financial firms. The State Department's latest measures also target Russia's energy sector and companies in Turkey, the UAE, and Central Asia that help Russia evade sanctions.

"Today's actions cripple Russia's revenue generation from energy projects and disrupt its materiel acquisition for its war machine," said Aaron Forsberg, the State Department's Director for Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation. The latest actions include sanctions against firms involved in the Orlan drones Russia uses in Ukraine and Russia's Arctic LNG 2 project.

China claims not to provide weaponry to Russia but defends its trade relations with Moscow. Friday's sanctions aim to disrupt future energy projects and liquefied natural gas shipments, targeting companies like UAE-based White Fox Ship Management.

(With inputs from agencies.)