US Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Entities, Including Those Linked to Occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

On January 15, the US Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions targeting Russian entities, including defense companies and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise ‘Zaporizhzhia NPP,’ a Russian-created entity operating the occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant. These measures are part of the ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s military capabilities amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, located in south east of Ukraine, has been under Russian occupation since the early days of the war. Russia’s occupation of the plant has raised significant concerns about nuclear safety, as the facility has been targeted in military operations.

The sanctions list includes Russian organizations such as the Tactical Missile Weapons Corporation, Voentorg, and Barnaultransmash, which produces engines for armored vehicles. Additionally, the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation were also sanctioned.

The US Treasury also targeted the Patriotic Exhibition Center, a Russian institution likely involved in promoting military and defense-related exhibitions, and several other companies with ties to Russia’s defense industry.

Several individuals associated with these entities were added to the sanctions list. Among them are Yakov Antonov, linked to the state-owned corporation Atomflot, and Vladislav Isaev, connected to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, specifically in his role as the plant’s director, involved in its illegal management under Russian control.

According to the US Treasury, these actions target a network involving Russian and Chinese entities that facilitate cross-border payments for sensitive goods used in Russia’s military efforts.

The sanctions package also includes restrictions on over 150 individuals and entities, including more than 50 Russian banks, over 40 Russian securities registrars, and 15 Russian financial officials. The US has also imposed sanctions on Chinese companies that continue to support Russia’s efforts to evade US sanctions, including those aiding the flow of dual-use goods necessary for the production of military equipment.

According to Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, “Today’s actions undermine the Kremlin’s ability to circumvent our sanctions and obtain the goods required for weapon production in its war against Ukraine.”

The US State Department also expanded its sanctions to cover more than 150 legal and natural persons, with a focus on defense industry companies and those supporting Russia’s military-industrial base.

Earlier, on January 10, 2025, the Biden administration unveiled its most extensive sanctions yet, targeting Russia’s energy sector. The new measures include sanctions on oil producers, tankers, traders, ports, and Russian energy officials, along with over 180 oil tankers suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet.