US imposes sanctions on Russian, Chinese firms supporting war

The U.S. imposed new sanctions against nearly 300 companies and individuals in Russia and third countries, including Chinese companies, for aiding Moscow’s war effort, the Treasury Department announced

The United States imposed extensive sanctions Wednesday targeting Russia over the Ukraine war, aiming to counter Moscow’s efforts to evade Western measures, including through China. 

The U.S. Treasury Department introduced sanctions on nearly 200 entities and individuals, while the State Department targeted more than 80. The sanctions aim to combat trafficking and support for Russia’s military-industrial base and its biological and chemical weapons programs, according to a Treasury statement.

This action followed repeated warnings from U.S. officials about Beijing’s support for Moscow’s military. Reuters reported in April, citing unnamed U.S. defense officials, that China is aiding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine by providing machine tools, weapons technology, and satellite imagery.

“Today’s actions will further disrupt and weaken Russia’s war effort by targeting Russia’s military industrial base and the smuggling networks that support it,” stated U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

The U.S. also targeted producers and suppliers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose, the key explosive chemicals Moscow needs for producing gunpowder and rocket fuel, among other things. Both Russian and Chinese companies were sanctioned for their involvement in trading such materials.

Neftegazstroy and Vnipigazdobycha, two Russian-based companies reportedly involved in natural gas-related construction projects, were also sanctioned.

“Collectively, our support for Ukraine and our relentless targeting of Russia’s military capacity are providing Ukraine with a critical advantage on the battlefield,” Yellen added.

Last week, the U.S. passed a long-awaited $61 billion foreign aid package after months of political infighting and delays.

On April 24, the Pentagon announced its readiness to proceed with sending $1 billion in weapons to Kyiv from U.S. stockpiles, including additional ammunition for HIMARS, 155 mm ammunition, air defense interceptors, and armored vehicles.

Source: Newsroom