U.S. Imposes Sweeping Sanctions on Russia, China for Ukraine War Support and Chemical Weapons Violations

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on nearly 300 targets, including Chinese companies, for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine and violating the global ban on chemical weapons. The sanctions target entities in Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates that have enabled Russia to acquire technology and equipment from abroad for its military.

The U.S. has accused Russia of using banned chemical weapons, such as chloropicrin, against Ukrainian troops, in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The State Department also accused Russia of using riot control agents "as a method of warfare" in Ukraine, with Russian forces deploying grenades loaded with CS and CN gases. At least 500 Ukrainian soldiers have been treated for exposure to toxic substances, with one killed by suffocating on tear gas.

China has been singled out as a leading supplier of critical components for Russia's defense industry. The U.S. has warned that if China were to end its support, Russia would struggle to sustain its war effort. Chinese firms are accused of exporting drone parts and other electronics to Russia, as well as precursor materials for making explosives.

Why this matters: The sweeping sanctions aim to further disrupt and degrade Russia's ability to wage war against Ukraine by targeting its military-industrial base and evasion networks. The U.S. action also seeks to hold Russia accountable for alleged chemical weapons use and pressure China to cease its material support for Moscow's invasion.

The sanctions also target Russia's future ability to export liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of its top exports, and impose restrictions on subsidiaries of Russia's state nuclear power company Rosatom. Additionally, the U.S. has sanctioned three Russian officials connected to the death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a Russian prison.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had previously warned Chinese officials that the U.S. would take action against any firms that helped Russia's military procurement efforts. "We will continue to target Russia's military-industrial complex and the individuals and entities that support Russia's brutal war against Ukraine, while working with our allies and partners to mitigate the spillover effects on vulnerable populations," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.

Key Takeaways

• U.S. imposes fresh sanctions on 300 targets, including Chinese firms, for aiding Russia's war
• Russia accused of using banned chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops, causing 500+ casualties
• China singled out as major supplier of components for Russia's defense industry
• Sanctions aim to disrupt Russia's military-industrial base and pressure China to cease support
• U.S. also targets Russia's LNG exports and officials linked to Navalny's death in prison