URGENT UPDATE: Legal action has been initiated against tech giants Intel Corp., Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), and Texas Instruments Inc. over allegations that their semiconductor chips are being used in Russian missiles and drones attacking Ukraine. Filed by attorney Mikal Watts on behalf of victims, these lawsuits claim that these companies failed to adequately monitor their supply chains, enabling their products to fuel military aggression against civilians.
The lawsuits accuse the firms of “willful ignorance” regarding the sales of their chips to third-party resellers that allegedly rerouted components to Russia. Despite stringent U.S. sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in July 2022, chips from these American firms reportedly continued to make their way into Russian military technology, specifically targeting Ukrainian urban areas.
Court documents reference attacks involving Iranian-made drones and Russian KH-101 cruise missiles between 2023 and 2025 that incorporated technology from Intel and AMD. The implications are staggering: the allegations suggest that corporate negligence may have contributed directly to civilian casualties in Ukraine, amplifying calls for accountability in the tech industry.
Investigations reveal that intermediary nations like Turkey and Hong Kong have facilitated the circumvention of export controls. Reports highlight a sharp decline in official imports to Russia but an increase in smuggling operations valued in the hundreds of millions, raising alarms over the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks.
As a response, Intel and AMD have publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting their adherence to sanctions. Intel has stressed that it suspended shipments to Russia since 2022, while AMD claims it has cooperated with U.S. authorities. Critics, however, argue these measures fall significantly short of what is necessary for compliance and accountability.
The lawsuits seek not only financial reparations for victims, estimated in the millions, but also substantial changes in tracking technologies to enhance supply chain transparency. Regulatory experts emphasize the need for more stringent oversight, as current U.S. export regulations heavily rely on companies’ internal compliance programs, which may be inadequate given the complexity of modern supply chains.
The stakes are incredibly high for these companies. Following the lawsuit announcements, stock prices for Intel and AMD dipped, reflecting investor fears over potential fines and reputational damage. Analysts suggest that these incidents could lead to stricter export controls, potentially impacting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Ukraine’s government has long advocated for stricter enforcement of sanctions, with officials pointing to the role of Western components in Russian military operations. This situation mirrors past controversies, such as the 2018 ZTE scandal, which resulted in severe penalties for violations of international sanctions.
As trials approach, tech giants are ramping up their defenses. Intel has announced expanded audits of its distributors, while AMD is investing in AI-driven monitoring systems. The lawsuits are forcing a reckoning in the tech industry regarding its role in global conflicts, as the implications of these legal actions could reshape how companies navigate the intersection of commerce and warfare.
The human impact is profound, with victims detailing traumatic experiences, such as a missile strike on a Kyiv apartment that killed 15 people, allegedly guided by AMD processors. These narratives highlight the urgent need for companies to prioritize ethics over profit, particularly in an era of rising geopolitical tensions.
In light of these developments, the tech industry faces critical questions: Will these lawsuits catalyze meaningful reform, or will they result in mere symbolic gestures? With growing scrutiny from both the public and government authorities, the outcome of these cases could redefine corporate responsibilities regarding the ethical sourcing of technology.
The clock is ticking for Intel, AMD, and Texas Instruments as they navigate these turbulent waters, with global implications for technology supply chains and international security.
