Summary
Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (“University”) has stayed vigilant in ensuring that all University activities comply with all newly applicable U.S. sanctions and export control restrictions affiliated with Russia. On June 11, 2022, the White House published a press release titled “Guidance On Scientific and Technological Cooperation with the Russian Federation for U.S. Government and U.S. Government Affiliated Organizations.” (“Press Release”). The Press Release outlines the U.S. Government’s plan on addressing science and technology research involving the Russian government.
This Press Release is in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and Russia’s actions therein. As a result, many of the plans put forward in the Press Release appear to primarily concern interactions with universities and research institutions that are considered “Russian Government-affiliated.”
University Impact
The primary purpose of the Press Release appears to “limit the bilateral science and technology research cooperation with the Russian government.” The Press Release goes on to state that the White House will “wind down institutional, administrative, funding, and personnel relationships and research collaborations in the fields of science and technology…” These plans to wind down interactions seem to apply not only to the Russian Government-affiliated institutions, but also individuals employed by, or who work under, the directions of those institutions.
Projects initiated/funded before February 2022 should be exempt from these new policy restrictions. If you have a project/interaction that started after that date please contact the Export Compliance Office immediately.
Though the Press Release does provide useful information on the White House plans for Russia moving forward, it should be noted that the U.S. response to Russia’s invasion is a rapidly evolving situation. As such, the Export Compliance Office is still exploring the implications of these plans on the University. If you intend to work or engage with any Russian research institution or university, please contact the Export Compliance Office prior to engaging with said institution or university and please visit our webpage on Comprehensive Sanctions for additional updates and information.