US tightens sanctions against Russia, adding 71 companies to blacklist

Reuters reported that the US Department of Commerce's actions are aimed at supporting the Russian military and expanding the scope of export controls on Russia and Belarus. The blacklist includes 69 Russian companies, one from Armenia and one from Kyrgyzstan.

New export control measures target oil and gas projects in Russia and Belarus, the ministry reports.

It is noted that these actions are part of the latest round of sanctions and export controls by the United States and other countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are intended to weaken Russia's industrial base and its ability to sustain the war.

The new steps were taken after the United States and the other leading economies of the Group of Seven agreed to tighten sanctions against Russia during a meeting in Japan.

• On May 19, Australia announced new sanctions against Russia, which will affect 21 organizations, including subsidiaries of Rosatom.