The U.S. Takes Action to Halt Russian Use of Diverted Goods: Commerce Department Sends Warning Letters to Over 20 Companies

In response to concerns about Russian use of goods diverted from American companies, the U.S. government has issued a call to halt shipments to over 600 foreign parties. The Commerce Department has sent warning letters to at least 20 companies in recent weeks, urging them to stop sending products that could be used in missiles and drones.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. and more than 30 other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia with the aim of limiting their access to Western technology. Despite these efforts, American components have been discovered in Russian weapons left on the battlefield in Ukraine. Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod stated that letters were sent to more than 20 American companies, each containing a list of over 600 foreign parties, requesting them to voluntarily cease shipments to these parties due to a significant risk of transshipment to Russia.

Axelrod also mentioned that senior U.S. officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments have been communicating directly with leaders of U.S. companies to explore additional measures that can be taken to prevent their products from reaching Russia. The goal is to further hinder Russia’s ability to wage war by cutting off the supply of critical components and materials necessary for their military operations.

The US government’s efforts are ongoing as they continue to work with international allies and partners like Canada, Australia and Japan, among others, in imposing economic sanctions on Russia as well as providing humanitarian aid and military assistance for Ukraine.

In summary, the US government is taking steps