Russia Still Supplying Military with Advanced Chips Despite US Sanctions

Russia is supposedly still able to procure advanced microchips for its military forces in its ongoing war against Ukraine despite trading sanctions imposed on the country, Voice of America reported.

According to a formal letter obtained by VOA, Russian microchip firm AO PKK Milandr was requested to provide 4,080 military grade to Russian forces in Feb. 10, 2023.

The sales order came amidst trading bans with the country, including supplies and materials needed to produce advanced microchips.

Washington has previously accused the same company for illegally procuring microelectronic components for the Russian government in November 2022 when the sanctions are already in effect.

Russia Accused of Using Front Companies to Obtain Advanced Microchips

According to reports, Russian tech companies are using fronts to illegally import the components to Moscow.

Bloomberg earlier reported that Russia allegedly was able to import more than $1.7 billion worth of computer chips last year amid US sanctions on the country.

Many Western countries first imposed trading bans to Russia following its invasion in Ukraine in 2022. Among the barred items are microchips and oil.

Alleged Russian-Backed Cyberattacks, Surveillance Surge Amid Tech Sanctions

Reports of Russia still procuring advanced microchips come amidst concerns for the ramp up in cyberattacks and propaganda campaigns in the US and allied nations, many of which came from groups supposedly sponsored by the Russian government.

The British National Cyber Security Crime agency earlier reported an increase in alleged Russian-backed breaches and scams all across Europe

More recent attacks include a cyberattack in Kyiv as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared at the World Economic Forum last December.

Russia's access to advanced microchips also mean it has more leverage towards AI development as evidenced by Microsoft claiming Russian hackers are starting to use chatbots more for their operations.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is already working with other nation's anti-cybercrime groups to apprehend perpetrators responsible for the attacks.