The Biden administration tightened restrictions on exports of certain technologies to Russia and Belarus on Wednesday, actions it said would worsen its ability to wage a military campaign against Ukraine.
The new controls will prevent US companies from exporting certain sensitive items that would support Belarus’ defense, aerospace and maritime industries, which the administration said helped support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move will extend to Belarus the same restrictions the United States imposed on Russia on Feb. 24, preventing elements such as technology and software from being diverted through Belarus to limited sectors in Russia, the ministry said.
Companies around the world that use US software or technology to make their products will also be banned from shipping certain sensitive items to Belarus, while Belarusian military structures will face even tighter restrictions on the global goods they can buy.
The trade ministry also said it would take action to stem the flow of important technology to Russia’s oil refineries, which provide a key source of revenue for the Russian military. The Biden administration has previously avoided imposing certain financial sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas industry to maintain global energy supplies and avoid fueling inflation. But the administration said the measure would take effect over time, gradually deteriorating Russia’s status as an energy supplier without harming US consumers.
Some companies and institutions that have supported the Russian or Belarusian military will also be added to a blacklist that imposes restrictions on their purchases of American products.
Gina M. Raimondo, the Minister of Trade, said that the determination of the Ukrainian people had “generated a strong international response”.
“The trade ministry will continue to work strongly, in coordination with our global allies and partners, to put maximum pressure on Russia, its aide Belarus and all other countries that may seek to support them,” she said.