On Thursday, the United States took its first actions to enforce restrictions on the export of technology and industrial goods to Russia.
“Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod issued orders denying the export privileges of three Russian Airlines – Aeroflot, Azur Air, and UTair – due to ongoing export violations related to comprehensive export controls on Russia imposed by the Commerce Department,” The Commerce Department said in a statement. “These three Temporary Denial Orders (TDOs) terminate the right of these airlines to participate in transactions subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including exports and reexports from the United States. Today’s TDOs are issued for 180-days and may be renewed.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod said, “Companies that violate the expansive export controls we have imposed on Russia will find themselves the target of Commerce Department enforcement action. With our allies and partners, we will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine as they respond to Russia’s unprovoked and brutal invasion of their country.”
“U.S. officials said the airlines were operating flights within Russia and to and from countries including China, India, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, rendering them subject to the U.S. export controls and requiring them to obtain licenses, which they didn’t have, officials said,” The Wall Street Journal reported. “Analysts and officials have been concerned that China, Russia’s strategic partner, would help Russia circumvent the controls.”
When asked about China’s compliance with the controls so far, a senior Commerce Department official said that “the U.S. government has clearly communicated—from President Biden to President Xi down—that should China choose to provide material or other support to Russia there will be consequences.”
