Washington [US], April 20: In order to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia, the US and its allies are conducting a parallel campaign: to prevent components and technology from falling into the hands of Moscow, and to help Kyiv with weapons.
The battle to prevent chips from falling into Russia's hands
The New York Times on April 18 reported that US and European Union (EU) officials at the end of March discussed how Western-made components and technology were slipping through control gaps. to Russia.
Accordingly, documents from Western officials said they recorded a spike in the number of chips and other electronic components sold to Russia through Armenia, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Information from the US Bureau of Industry and Security says that in 2022, Armenia imported 515% more chips and processors from the US and 212% more from the EU than in 2021. After that, the country exported 97 % of which similar products go to Russia.
In another document, the US Bureau of Industry and Security confirmed that eight types of Western chips and components were also found in two models of Russia's KH-101 and X-101 cruise missiles.
Meanwhile, an investigation by Nikkei Asia newspaper also found that Russia continues to buy chips from the West in a more sophisticated way.
From Russian customs data from February 24, 2022 to December 31, 2022 collected by research firm Export Genius (India), Nikkei Asia concluded that a large amount of US components entered Russian hands through traders. small in China, including in Hong Kong.
This proves that the goal of preventing technology from flowing into Russia set by the US and Europe has not achieved a clear victory. It also runs counter to statements from some US officials, who argue that sweeping sanctions imposed by Washington along with 38 other governments on Moscow have severely damaged the country's military capabilities. Russia.
Sarah V. Stewart, a member of the US National Security Institute, said that export controls imposed on Russia have disrupted existing supply chains. Even so, she acknowledged that Russia "continues to receive a sizable amount" of chips from the US.
The Semiconductor Industry Association also said it was working with the US government and other parties to combat the illegal trade in semiconductors. However, according to the association, with about 1 trillion chips sold globally each year, it is "not simple".
Alan Estevez, who oversees US export controls at the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security, said Russia was adapting to the sanctions. "We're adapting to their adaptation," he said.
Moscow has not commented on the above information.
Weapons poured into the battlefield of Ukraine
In addition to limiting chips, the US and its allies are also speeding up military aid to help Ukraine achieve real victory on the battlefield.
According to the AP news agency, the West is currently arming Ukraine to prepare for a potential counterattack. Germany's Defense Ministry said on April 18 that in addition to the Patriot surface-to-air guided missile system, Germany also transferred to Ukraine a number of trucks and border patrol vehicles. This is part of a $ 2.41 billion aid package of lethal weapons that Germany has committed to Ukraine.
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on April 18 also warned NATO allies to be on the lookout for signs that Russian President Vladimir Putin may use tactical nuclear weapons in the region. Ukraine, according to Reuters news agency.
According to Sherrman, the United States has been watching and is concerned that Putin will use what he considers a tactical nuclear weapon to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. "It's very important to always be on the lookout for this," she said.
Putin denies accusations that Russia intends to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post, citing leaked US intelligence, said that Russia is targeting the Starlink satellite system that billionaire Elon Musk has provided Ukraine to prevent Russian forces. Kyiv internet access.
According to documents obtained by The Washington Post , over the past several months, Russia has been testing its Tobol electronic warfare systems to disrupt Starlink transmissions in Ukraine. Russia has not yet commented on this information.
Starlink has proven important to the Ukrainian military, which relies on small mobile devices for battlefield communications and intelligence relay. Earlier, Russian forces succeeded in disabling Ukraine's ability to use other communications equipment, including radios and mobile phones.
Source: ThanhNien Newspaper