Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register WASHINGTON, April 8 (Reuters) – The United States on Friday extended its export restrictions against Russia and Belarus by restricting access to imports of fertilizers and pipe valves as it seeks to increase pressure on Moscow and Minsk. the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The administration of President Joe Biden has also restricted flights of US-owned, controlled or leased aircraft by Belarusians flying to Belarus “as part of the US government’s response to Belarus’ actions in support of Russia’s aggressive behavior in Ukraine.” Washington has sought to deepen sanctions against Russia and its ally Belarus following the withdrawal of Russian troops from northern Kyiv and unveiled mass graves in the city of Bukha. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register The United States on Wednesday targeted Russian banks and elites with a new round of sanctions, including a ban on Americans investing in Russia, in response to what President Joe Biden condemned as “major war crimes” by Russian forces. . The invasion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which began on February 24, is the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II. Russia calls it a “special military operation” aimed at protecting civilians. The Commerce Department said it would begin requiring Russians and Belarusians to obtain special permits when seeking to obtain a range of goods from U.S. suppliers, and vowed to refuse those permits. Products include fertilizer, pipe valves, bearings and other components, materials and chemicals. The administration said items made abroad with US tools would also require a permit from the US, which the administration plans to deny. “It’s a testament to the fact that they will continue to strengthen export controls and target economically those categories they have not yet made,” said Emily Kilcrease, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and former Deputy Assistant Commercial Officer. . , noting that the Ministry of Commerce has now further restricted Russian access to all items whose exports it regulates. “This is important”. The actions in late February and March set unprecedented controls on exports of US and foreign goods destined for Russia or Belarus. These measures, in coordination with more than 30 other countries, limit a wide range of goods, software and technology. Sign up now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register Report by Alexandra Alper and Karen Freifeld Edited by Chris Reese? Edited by David Gregorio Our role models: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.