U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Targeting Russia and Kyrgyzstan Over Weapons Technology

The United States has announced new sanctions aimed at curbing Russia‘s ability to acquire weapons technology, targeting 18 individuals and more than 120 entities based in Russia and Kyrgyzstan. These sanctions are part of a broader effort to inhibit Moscow’s access to products and technologies that support its war efforts, particularly in the context of the Ukraine invasion.

The sanctions include several companies based in Kyrgyzstan that have been identified as intermediaries providing foreign-made electronics and technologies to Russia. An investigation by RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service revealed that these companies have been involved in supplying sanctioned Western electronics to Russia via Central Asian firms. Kyrgyzstan had previously denied any official involvement in helping Moscow circumvent sanctions but acknowledged the possible involvement of private companies and stated it was investigating the matter.

Among the individuals targeted are Russian and North Korean national Yong Hyok Rim, who is linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary organization. Additionally, two private Russian military companies, including Okhrana owned by the Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom, have been designated. Sergei Korolev, first deputy director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), and Smolensk regional Governor Vasily Anokhin are also among those targeted.

The sanctions freeze any property in U.S. jurisdictions owned by the individuals and entities named and bar U.S. citizens from any dealings with them. This move is seen as a significant step in the international community’s efforts to restrict Russia’s military capabilities and enforce compliance with existing sanctions).