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US and EU Sanction CNC Machines, Target Russian Smuggling

2/17/2026

22 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In August 2022, Olena Yurchenko found that CNC machines were not produced in Russia.
This finding led the United States and the European Union to sanction CNC machines.
Russia has attempted to smuggle these machines through Belarus and Central Asia.
Danish officials said civil society groups ESCU and DeKleptocracy helped close sanctions loopholes, though impact remains gradual.

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Story summary

In August 2022, Olena Yurchenko found that CNC machines were not produced in Russia.
This finding led the United States and the European Union to sanction CNC machines.
Russia has attempted to smuggle these machines through Belarus and Central Asia.
Danish officials said civil society groups ESCU and DeKleptocracy helped close sanctions loopholes, though impact remains gradual.