In an effort to crack down on Russia for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security is taking additional actions against the country.
According to a March 4 Commerce Department news release, the regulations take aim at the Russian oil refining industry with additional export controls that target 91 entities that back the Russian military. The release noted the moves make it harder for Russia to access U.S. commodities, software and technology, all efforts designed to make it harder for Russia to get what it needs to maintain its military operations.
“With each passing day, as Russia continues its assault on Ukraine, it finds itself with fewer places to turn for economic and material support,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said. “The United States and our allies and partners will continue to stand strong with the people of Ukraine and today’s actions will further restrict Russia’s access to revenue to support its aggression.”
The Commerce Department noted the first rule follows up on existing restrictions the Bureau of Industry and Security placed on Russia’s deep water oil and gas efforts in 2014, with harsh limits on items needed for oil refineries.
The second rule adds 91 entities from 10 countries to the department’s Entity List, according to the news release. It noted 81 of the entities are located in Russia, with three in the United Kingdom, two in Spain, two in Malta, three in Estonia, one in Latvia, one in Kazakhstan, one in Singapore, one in Belize and one in Slovakia. Some entities operate in multiple countries.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves noted the department is unwavering in its support of Ukraine in its battle in the unprovoked invasion by Russia, which he called a “moment of reckoning for our values.”
