Sanctions force Russians to look for workarounds for the production of military equipment. Due to the blocking of sales of Western technology, Russia is beginning to use chips from refrigerators and dishwashers in tanks. This was reported by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, writes The Washington Post.

“We have reports from Ukrainians that when they find Russian military equipment on the ground, it’s filled with semiconductors that they (Russians) took out of dishwashers and refrigerators,” the Secretary said, referring to a recent meeting with the Ukrainian prime minister.

An anecdote with semiconductors came from Ukrainian officials. They told the secretary that parts of refrigerators, as well as commercial and industrial equipment had been found in the seized Russian tanks, which seemed to compensate for other inaccessible components.

Raimondo also noted that two Russian tank manufacturers had to suspend production due to lack of components. According to reports, the work of Uralvagonzavod and Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant has now been suspended.

US technology exports to Russia fell by 70% after sanctions were imposed in late February. More than 30 other countries have also stopped exporting, including to Belarus. The goal was to curtail Russia’s ability to continue the war.

The number of deliveries from the United States to Russia decreased by 85% compared to the same period last year. This includes a reduction in the supply of sanctioned goods – semiconductors, telecommunications equipment, lasers, avionics and marine technology.