Sanctions fail as U.S. microchips empower Russia's military

Despite Western sanctions, Russia has been able to import an increasing number of Western microchips and semiconductors through intermediary countries like China, according to trade data and analysis. These microchips and semiconductors play a crucial role in powering Russia's military equipment, including drones, missiles, and armored vehicles. Many of these components are subject to export controls, but convoluted trade routes and the classification of certain technologies as dual-use items have allowed them to enter Russia. The ubiquity and wide-reaching applications of these technologies make them difficult to police, and sanctions on Russia are limited to Ukraine's Western allies. China is the largest exporter of microchips to Russia, accounting for over 87% of total Russian semiconductor imports in Q4 2022. Calls have been made for more countries to join sanctions or impose secondary sanctions on entities facilitating Russia's military strength.