U.S. curbs Russian access to foreign fertilizers and valves

By Alexandra Alper and Karen Freifeld
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The US on Friday broadened its export curbs in opposition to Russia and Belarus, limiting entry to imports of things similar to fertilizer and pipe valves because it seeks to ratchet up strain on Moscow and Minsk following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
President Joe Biden’s administration additionally restricted flights of American-made plane which can be owned, managed or leased by Belarusians from flying into Belarus “as a part of the U.S. authorities’s response to Belarus’s actions in assist of Russia’s aggressive conduct in Ukraine.”
Washington has sought to deepen sanctions in opposition to Russia and ally Belarus after a withdrawal of Russian troops from northern Kiev revealed mass graves within the city of Bucha.
On Wednesday, the US focused Russian banks and elites with a brand new spherical of sanctions, together with banning Individuals from investing in Russia, in response to what President Joe Biden condemned as “main conflict crimes” by Russian forces in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion, which started on Feb. 24, is Europe’s bloodiest battle since World Battle Two. Russia calls it a “particular navy operation” aimed toward defending civilians.
The Commerce Division mentioned it should start requiring Russians and Belarusians to get a particular license when searching for to acquire a bunch of products from U.S. suppliers and pledged to disclaim these licenses. The products embrace fertilizer, pipe valves, ball bearings and different elements, supplies and chemical compounds.
The administration mentioned gadgets made overseas with U.S. instruments would additionally require a U.S. license, which the administration plans to disclaim.
“It’s proof they will proceed tightening export controls and focusing on on an economy-wide foundation these classes they haven’t but finished,” mentioned Emily Kilcrease, senior fellow on the Middle for a New American Safety and former deputy assistant U.S. Commerce Consultant, noting that the Commerce Division now has additional restricted Russian entry to all gadgets whose export it regulates. “That is important.”
Actions in late February and March positioned unprecedented controls on export of U.S. and foreign-made gadgets destined for Russia or Belarus. These measures, coordinated with over 30 different nations, limit a broad swath of commodities, software program and know-how.
(Reporting by Alexandra Alper and Karen FreifeldEditing by Chris Reese; Modifying by David Gregorio)