Intel and AMD Sued in U.S.: "Supplying Chips for Russian Weapons"

Semiconductor manufacturers Intel, AMD, and Texas Instruments have become embroiled in lawsuits alleging violations of sanctions against Russia, after their semiconductors were found in Russian weaponry.

On December 10 (local time), Bloomberg reported that law firm BakerHostetler and attorney Mikal Watts, representing dozens of Ukrainians, filed a lawsuit in a Texas court against these companies. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to prevent their chips from being used in Russian drones and missiles.

Reuters Yonhap News

The plaintiffs argue that the semiconductor companies knowingly and intentionally allowed third parties to violate U.S. sanctions by reselling chips to Russia.

As evidence, they cited five Russian attacks targeting Ukraine between 2023 and 2025, in which Iranian-made drones, Russian KH-101 cruise missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles used components such as semiconductors produced by the accused companies.

They also claimed that Mouser Electronics, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, was involved in transferring semiconductors to shell companies operated by Russian agents.

Attorney Watts called these companies "merchants of death" and criticized them for "turning U.S. sanctions laws into a farce." He further asserted, "These companies are aware that their chip technology is flowing into Russia."

An Intel spokesperson stated, "Intel does not conduct business in Russia and immediately ceased all product shipments to customers in both Russia and Belarus at the outbreak of the war." The spokesperson added, "We strictly comply with export laws, sanctions, and regulations in all our operations worldwide, including the United States, and require our suppliers, customers, and distributors to adhere to the same standards."

Texas Instruments and AMD did not respond to requests for comment. However, Bloomberg reported that both companies have previously stated they comply with sanctions against Russia, halted their Russian operations at the onset of the war, and have implemented strict policies to monitor compliance with sanctions.

In February 2022, immediately following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed export control sanctions to prevent products incorporating U.S. technology, including semiconductors, from flowing into Russia.