Washington has warned Ankara that it may take action against Turkish companies and banks that violate sanctions over the export to Russia of chemicals, microchips and other products that could be used in Russian military operations in Ukraine.
During a visit to Ankara, US Treasury Department Assistant Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson urged Turkish government and private sector officials to work more actively to stop the flow of sanctioned goods.
The Treasury spokesman noted that the growth of exports to Russia over the past year makes Turkish companies “particularly vulnerable to reputational and sanction risks” and could lead to their loss of access to the countries’ markets. of the G7.
Ankara fundamentally opposes large-scale sanctions against Russia, but promises not to circumvent them.
Western countries have imposed export controls and sanctions since the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago. However, Turkey, Hong Kong and some other global trading centers continued to actively export goods to Russia.
Over the past year, Moscow has imported more than $2.6 billion worth of computers and other electronic components, including “dual-use goods”, according to Reuters. Most of these goods were produced by Western companies and their components were found in Russian weapons systems.
The pressure has already brought about some changes. Turkey’s largest ground handling provider, Havas, has notified Russian and Belarusian airlines of its intention to stop providing parts, fuel and other services for their American-made planes under Western sanctions. At the end of last year, five Turkish banks suspended the use of the Russian payment system Mir after the US Treasury imposed new sanctions on the Russian operator.
The US Treasury has urged Turkish bankers to review Russia-related transactions, noting that Russian oligarchs continue to buy properties and moor yachts in Turkey.
US Treasury officials issued similar warnings this week to the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
