In an effort to hinder Russia’s military capabilities, the United States has issued a directive to American companies to cease shipping goods to over 600 foreign entities out of concerns that the items could be diverted to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine. This directive was issued by the Commerce Department in response to recent discoveries of American-made products in missiles and drones recovered in Ukraine, presumably left behind by Russia.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and more than 30 other nations have implemented various sanctions to hinder Russia’s military capabilities by restricting access to Western technology. Despite these efforts, American components continue to be found in Russian weaponry found on Ukrainian battlefields.
To further impede Russia’s military actions in Ukraine by restricting the availability of American technology, senior officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have been engaging with leaders in U.S. companies directly to discuss additional measures that can be taken. Letters were sent to over 20 American companies listing more than 600 foreign parties that pose a high risk of transshipments to Russia. In these letters, companies were requested to voluntarily halt shipments to these entities