Russia imported $1 billion in American and European chips in 2023 despite sanctions

Russia imported over $1 billion worth of high-tech American and European chips in 2023, despite sanctions, according to a Bloomberg report citing classified data from the Russian customs service.

The imported chips were from American manufacturers such as Intel Corp, Advanced Micro Devices, and Analog Devices Inc., as well as European companies like Infineon Technologies AG, STMicroelectronics NV, and NXP Semiconductors NV.

The documents did not indicate any violation of sanctions laws by the companies, nor did they specify who exported the chips to Russia, where they were shipped from, or when they were manufactured.

All companies contacted by Bloomberg stated they fully comply with sanctions requirements, have ceased operations in Russia, and have implemented processes and policies to ensure compliance with sanctions.

The majority of banned technologies enter Russia through re-export from third countries, particularly China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The U.S. and EU are working to block these routes, focusing especially on a list of high-priority dual-use and advanced goods identified in Russian weaponry in Ukraine or crucial for its production.

Microsoft updated artificial intelligence Copilot

Microsoft has updated its artificial intelligence Copilot. Now, it can engage in conversations with users on personal topics, according to the Microsoft website.

Microsoft has announced the use of the Copilot GPT feature. It allows users to customize the behavior of Microsoft Copilot based on topics that are of particular interest to them.

According to a statement, multiple Copilot GPTs will be able to engage in conversations on topics such as fitness, travel, cooking, and much more.

Users of the extended version, Copilot Pro, will also have the ability to create their own algorithms using the Copilot GPT Builder.

The company has also revealed the launch of a mobile application with the same features as the desktop version.

NATO maritime exercises Dynamic Manta commence in Mediterranean Sea

In the Mediterranean Sea near the coast of Sicily, maritime exercises called Dynamic Manta, involving NATO countries, are set to commence this morning, February 26, according to NATO Maritime Command's Twitter.

Military personnel and ships from Turkey, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States will participate in the annual NATO maritime exercises. Seven submarines, several surface ships, and the aviation of NATO member countries are involved in the exercise.

According to the statement, the goal of the exercise will be to enhance the ability to perform naval tasks including sea control and sea denial, strengthening NATO's collective defense and crisis response capabilities.

It is noted that the Mediterranean Sea, with its complex underwater topography, provides an ideal backdrop for the exercises.

Dynamic Manta training also serves as a platform for testing and strengthening the Alliance's crisis response capabilities. Under the tactical leadership of Rear Admiral Pasquale Esposito, the training aims to demonstrate NATO's readiness to protect its members from any threat.

Britain imposes new sanctions against Russia on second anniversary of invasion of Ukraine

Britain has announced the imposition of over 50 new sanctions against individuals and entities supporting the illegal war of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Ukraine, according to British Foreign Minister David Cameron.

The sanctions are aimed at those supplying his depleted arsenal with ammunition such as missile launch systems, missiles, and explosives.

The new sanctions also target key sources of Russia's income, restricting trade in metals, diamonds, and energy resources, and cutting off funding for Putin's illegal war from all sides.

"Today’s measures will disrupt Putin’s ability to equip his now struggling military with high tech equipment and much needed weaponry, as well as blocking him from refilling his war coffers- while Ukraine defends itself. This round of designations serves as a clear signal that two years on, the UK stands united with our allies in unwavering support for Ukraine," the minister said.

Today’s package forms part of wider UK action to restrict Putin’s war revenue streams and clamp down on his repeated attempts to evade western sanctions.

The following companies are now under sanctions: