The US Treasury, specifically the Office of Foreign Assets Control, has recently imposed sanctions on four Serbian companies and two individuals. This action is part of Washington’s broader initiative targeting numerous entities and individuals allegedly supporting Russia, coinciding with the imminent second anniversary of the extensive invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctioned Belgrade-based companies include Goodforwarding, Kominvex, and Research and Development Company TR Industries, along with Novi Banovci-based Soha Info. The US Treasury has extended its sanctions list, applying restrictions on hundreds of additional individuals and entities suspected of contributing to Russia’s efforts in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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Additionally, two individuals, namely Dragan Dragas, the proprietor of Soha Info, and Marko Svorcan, the owner of Kominvex, have been blacklisted by the US. These sanctions reflect the United States’ commitment to curbing support for Russia’s involvement in the conflict and maintaining pressure on entities and individuals believed to be aiding the war effort.
The US Treasury has announced sanctions on two individuals and three companies, as designated by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. These entities were targeted for their involvement in sectors of the Russian economy supporting Moscow’s military-industrial base. Notably, Goodforwarding faced sanctions, although specific reasons for this action were not disclosed.
According to a November 2023 report by Radio Free Europe, Soha Info, Komnivex, and Goodforwarding were implicated in exporting electronic devices and dual-use goods to Russia.
Friday’s sanctions were imposed to mark “Russia’s two years of unprovoked and unlawful full-scale war against Ukraine and [come ] in response to the death of opposition politician and anticorruption activist Aleksey Navalny ”, the US Treasury said in a statement.
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Entities and individuals added to the US Treasury’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Person List undergo asset blocking in the United States. Additionally, US citizens are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
On Friday, preceding the second anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union enacted its 13th set of sanctions against Russia. This package included export restrictions imposed on a Serbian company, targeting “dual-use goods and technologies, as well as goods and technology which might contribute to the technological enhancement of Russia’s defence and security sector.” However, the specific company was not disclosed.
“We remain united in our determination to dent Russia’s war machine and help Ukraine win its legitimate fight for self-defence and restore its independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement announcing the package of sanctions.
Notably, in July of the previous year, the US Treasury Department sanctioned Aleksandar Vulin, the then head of Serbia’s Security Information Agency, alleging involvement in corrupt activities. Vulin, identified as a pro-Russian politician, was accused of engaging in transnational organized crime, illegal narcotics operations, and the misuse of public office.
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Serbia’s stance against Russia’s invasion was evident in its vote for a United Nations resolution condemning the action in March 2022, followed by a vote in April to exclude Russia from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
In October 2022, Serbia aligned itself with the international community by voting in favor of the UN General Assembly Resolution denouncing Russia’s endeavor to annex four regions of Ukraine. However, despite persistent pressures from both the European Union (EU) and the United States, Serbia has maintained a stance of non-participation in the EU sanctions imposed on Russia.