The United States has removed sanctions from three individuals and three companies associated with Russia, although the reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.
According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctions were lifted from:
- Yevgeniya Tyurikova, a Russian national born in Sevastopol who previously led a unit of the sanctioned Sberbank;
- Boris Vorontsov, a Russian citizen;
- Berke Turken, a Turkish national and head of BSB Group.
- Turken Dijital Matbaa Teknolojileri;
- BSB Grup Internet ve Yapay Zeka Teknolojileri AS;
- FUTURIS FZE.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury indicated that Berke Turken and his associated companies, including Turken Dijital Matbaa Teknolojileri, were involved in schemes that facilitated the procurement of technology for sanctioned Russian entities, particularly those linked to Russian intelligence services.
The department noted that these operations included intermediary activities that organized payments, logistics, and supplies through third countries, enabling the circumvention of existing restrictions and continued access to essential technological components.
In a related development, President Donald Trump recently announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil to help stabilize the global market amid an energy crisis. The OFAC issued licenses allowing transactions involving Russian oil loaded onto vessels before March 12.
This decision from the White House was prompted by a sharp increase in oil prices due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, along with disruptions in trade through the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. has lifted sanctions on several individuals and companies linked to Russia, citing undisclosed reasons. This move coincides with a broader strategy to stabilize global oil markets amid rising prices due to geopolitical tensions.