US imposes sanctions on Chinese and UAE companies for supporting Moscow’s military actions

The US Senate voted on Tuesday evening to approve legislation banning the import of enriched uranium from Russia, sending the measure to the White House which has said it supports efforts to block the Kremlin’s shipments of the reactor fuel.

In a related development, Ukrainian drones hit a major oil refinery owned by state-controlled Rosneft in Ryazan, southeast of Moscow, just as the facility’s crude-processing ability had recovered from a previous strike.

The US announced sanctions on nearly 300 companies and individuals, including in China and the United Arab Emirates, for alleged support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Chinese firms targeted include Hong Kong-based Finder Technology, Juhang Aviation Technology Shenzhen, and Zhongcheng Heavy Equipment Defense Technology Group. The Treasury also sanctioned manufacturers and suppliers of cotton cellulose and nitrocellulose, precursors for making explosives.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Chinese officials that the US would take action against any firms that helped Russia’s military procurement efforts. The State Department also levied sanctions against companies and individuals engaged in sanctions evasion or supporting Russia’s chemical and biological weapons programs.

The US Senate passed the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act, which would ban US imports of enriched uranium from Russia 90 days after enactment. The White House had called for a “long-term ban” on Russian imports to unlock funding for a domestic uranium industry.

Ukrainian drones targeted a major Russian oil refinery in Ryazan, causing a fire at the plant. This attack is part of Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian forces and cut off petrodollars to the Kremlin. Russia’s oil-processing industry has been a key target of Ukrainian drone attacks since late January.

The Ryazan refinery had previously been damaged by a Ukrainian drone in mid-March and was gradually ramping up operations before the recent attack. Russia has been targeting major Ukrainian cities with missile and drone strikes in retaliation for attacks on its territory. At least three people were killed in a ballistic missile attack on the city of Odesa, with civil infrastructure also damaged.

Overall, the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to have far-reaching consequences, with the US and other countries taking measures to support Ukraine and sanction those aiding Russia. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in military actions that have significant economic and humanitarian impacts.