US puts 5 Russian companies on sanctions list for supporting North Korea

The US has just added five Russian companies to its sanctions list for allegedly providing North Korea with technology to produce weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctions are implemented under the Iran, North Korea and Syria Nonproliferation Act, which imposes sanctions on companies and individuals involved in nuclear proliferation activities. The sanctions are expected to remain in place for two years.

A North Korean missile launch. Photo Reuters

US officials allege that the Russian companies are involved in providing North Korea, Iran and Syria with technology that could be used to produce missiles and weapons of mass destruction.

According to US officials, along with the Russian company, 38 companies from 10 countries including Belarus, China, Malaysia, Iran, Syria and North Korea were also added to the sanctions list.

The US passed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act with Iran, Syria and North Korea in 2000, 2005 and 2006 respectively. Accordingly, US companies and government agencies are not allowed to transact with companies on the above sanctioned list and will be punished if they violate./.

According to VOV