Since Donald Trump returned to the presidency, the US has not imposed any new sanctions on Russia. This opens loopholes for the supply of microcircuits and military components, despite restrictions imposed after the start of Russia's major war in Ukraine.
Points of attention
- Despite sanctions, Russia manages to receive microcircuits for missiles due to loopholes created by the lifting of restrictions under the Trump administration.
- The closure of the KleptoCapture target group has allowed an increase in the supply of prohibited components to Russia, leading to concerns over the effectiveness of sanctions.
- With the absence of new sanctions and constant updating, Russia is actively developing shadow import schemes to evade restrictions and procure necessary components.
Sanctions are not working: why Russia is still getting chips for missiles
Instead of increasing pressure, the Trump administration lifted some of the restrictions, in particular on Karina Rotenberg, the wife of Russian oligarch Boris Rotenberg.
In addition, the KleptoCapture task force, which was previously engaged in identifying and seizing the assets of individuals close to the Kremlin, was closed.
As a result, according to trade and corporate registries, more than 130 new companies in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore are freely advertising the supply of banned components to Russia.
Among them is HK GST Limited, which offers microcircuits for Russian X-101 cruise missiles used in the recent attacks on Kyiv.
All of these companies are not under sanctions, and the US, as the analysis shows, has not introduced any new restrictions against the Russian Federation since the beginning of 2025.
Experts warn that without constant updating of sanctions, their effectiveness is decreasing, and Russia is actively creating new shadow import schemes.
A new bill on additional restrictions is already being prepared in Congress. It envisages a 500% tariff on countries that buy Russian energy.
However, for now, European countries remain the main driver of sanctions policy, as the United States shows less and less interest in deterring the Kremlin's aggression.
