U.S. imposes sanctions on 2 Russian companies, 1 individual for collaboration with N. Korea - State Dept

WASHINGTON. March 25 (Interfax) - The United States has announced sanctions on two Russian legal entities and one individual "for transferring sensitive items to North Korea's missile program," the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.

"The United States today announced sanctions on five entities and individuals located in Russia and the DPRK and one entity in the People's Republic of China (PRC) for proliferation activities under the Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act (INKSNA)," it said.

The sanctions apply to the Russian entities Ardis Group of Companies LLC (Ardis Group) and PFK Profpodshipnik LLC, as well as Russian individual Igor Michurin, it said.

The U.S. also imposed sanctions on North Korea's Second Academy of Natural Science Foreign Affairs Bureau (SANS FAB) and DPRK citizen Ri Sung Chol "for transferring sensitive items to North Korea's missile program."

"These measures are part of our ongoing efforts to impede the DPRK's ability to advance its missile program," the department said.

The U.S. also announced sanctions against the Chinese company Zhengzhou Nanbei Instrument Equipment Co. Ltd for supplying Syria with certain equipment.

"The sanctions announced today will be in effect for two years and include restrictions on U.S. government procurement, U.S. government assistance, and exports," it said.