Taiwan prohibits export of essential component for shells to Russia and Belarus

Taiwan's Ministry of Economy has decided to expand sanctions against Russia and Belarus by prohibiting the export of nitrocellulose, a crucial component used in projectile production.

Nitrocellulose, essential for smokeless gunpowder and rocket fuel, is already subject to export bans in the U.S. and the EU.

To enforce this measure, the ministry emphasizes the necessity of closing regulatory loopholes and imposes a fine of 1 million Taiwan Dollars (almost $31,000) for violations.

These sanctions are part of Taiwan's condemnation of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its solidarity with Western measures against it, despite minimal direct trade between Taiwan and Russia.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu believes that the island’s future is dependent on the war in Ukraine.

“Our lesson is that if Russia can do that to Ukraine, China might do the same to Taiwan,” Wu said.

US imposes ‘first tranche’ of sanctions against Georgian officials

The initial round of sanctions entailed travel bans on “dozens” of individuals, including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, other members of parliament, law enforcement, and other private citizens, said U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The Kyiv IndependentNate Ostiller