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The U.S. Department of Commerce added 123 foreign companies to its blacklist, citing concerns over their involvement in military activities and the supply of sensitive technologies. Among the newly blacklisted entities, 64 are from Russia, including one registered in Crimea, while 42 are from China.
Additionally, 11 companies from Iran have been blacklisted, allegedly for facilitating the transfer of American technologies to Russia, supporting its ongoing military operations.
According to the Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, 48 of the blacklisted Russian legal entities are believed to be end users of military products originating from Russia and Belarus. Six of these entities were specifically targeted for their alleged connections to the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Russia. The U.S. government claimed that these companies were involved in the supply chain or cooperated within the framework of Russia’s UAV production program.
The U.S. government has consistently imposed sanctions and trade restrictions on Russian entities, aiming to curtail their access to critical technologies and resources.
Chinese companies also faced similar accusations from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The blacklisted Chinese firms were allegedly involved in the supply of American-origin technologies and other sensitive products to Russia, raising concerns over their role in supporting Russia’s military capabilities. The U.S. government has expressed concerns about China’s involvement in facilitating Russia’s access to technology that could be used in military operations.
In addition to the Russian and Chinese companies, the blacklist also includes 11 Iranian firms. The U.S. alleges that these Iranian companies played a significant role in facilitating the supply of American technologies to Iran, which in turn were redirected to Russia. These actions are viewed as part of a broader effort to support Russia’s military operations, leading to their inclusion on the blacklist.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s move is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on countries and entities that are perceived to be aiding Russia’s military efforts. By restricting access to critical technologies and resources, the U.S. aims to weaken the military capabilities of Russia and its allies.
The blacklisting of these companies underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the U.S. government’s determination to counteract any activities that could bolster Russia’s military strength. The affected companies will now face significant restrictions on conducting business with U.S. firms, further isolating them from the global market.