The U.S. Imposes 130 New Sanctions Aimed at 'Countering Russia's War Machine'

On Thursday, November 2, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed 130 new sanctions to counter Russia's aggression against Ukraine. According to the Treasury's statement, some of the sanctions target individuals and entities that play a role in the war by providing technology and equipment to Russia through third countries. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also targeted Russia's domestic industry, which is acting as a 'maintainer of the war machine' for the country. The statement noted that nearly 100 sanctions were imposed against individuals and entities involved in energy production and revenue, metals and mining, and defense logistics, including a drone manufacturing company, as well as individuals supporting Russia's war machine. The Treasury's statement indicated that the sanctions disrupt producers, exporters, and importers of nearly all items identified as 'high priority' by the international coalition imposing sanctions and export controls on Russia. Janet Yellen, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated, 'Russia relies on individuals and entities willing to cooperate from third countries to replenish its army and continue its horrific war against Ukraine, and we will not hesitate to hold them accountable.' She pointed out the impact of global sanctions on weakening the Kremlin's warmongering, stating, 'Today's sanctions demonstrate our increased resolve to continue disrupting every link in Russia's military supply chain and targeting those foreign actors seeking to support Russia's war efforts.' According to the Treasury's statement, Moscow continues to exploit its legitimate economic relations with China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, which have become hubs for exporting, re-exporting, and transferring foreign technologies and equipment to Russia, and in this context, dozens of individuals and companies based in these three countries were sanctioned. Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the U.S., European Union, Canada, and Japan have expressed solidarity with Ukraine and provided extensive assistance while imposing several broad sanctions packages against Putin's war machine and its supporters.