American Companies Warned by Commerce Department to Halt Shipments to Russia Over Concerns of Transshipment in Ukraine

The U.S. Commerce Department has issued warnings to at least 20 American companies in an effort to disrupt Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine, according to a senior official. Assistant Secretary Matthew Axelrod revealed on Thursday that the department had sent letters containing a list of more than 600 foreign parties to which these companies should voluntarily cease shipping due to the high risk of transshipment to Russia.

The U.S. government is urging American companies to halt the shipment of goods to more than 600 foreign parties over concerns that these items could end up being used by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. and other countries on Russia following its invasion in 2022, American components continue to be identified in Russian weapons left on the battlefield in Ukraine.

American officials are working with leaders of U.S. companies to explore further actions they can take to prevent their products from being used by Russia, including senior officials from the Commerce, State, and Treasury departments who have been engaging with company leaders on this issue.