Dozens of Ukrainian civilians have launched a series of lawsuits in Texas, accusing major US chip manufacturers – Texas Instruments (TI), AMD, and Intel – of negligently allowing their chips to power Russian and Iranian weapon systems. These lawsuits allege that the companies' failure to adequately track the final destinations of their products led to wrongful deaths and severe injuries in Ukraine, despite years of public reporting, government warnings, and shareholder pressure regarding chips evading export curbs.
The plaintiffs contend that these tech giants prioritised profits over human lives by continuing to use "high-risk" distribution channels without strengthening controls. According to legal representatives, chip firms relied on a superficial checkbox system where intermediaries merely confirmed they weren't shipping to sanctioned countries, lacking any genuine enforcement or accountability. This alleged oversight directly enabled five specific attacks detailed in the lawsuits, including a deadly incident targeting Ukraine's largest children's hospital in Kyiv in July 2024. The plaintiffs argue that Russia's advanced weapon systems, such as drones and missiles, would be ineffective without these US-made chips, which act as their crucial "brains" or "steering wheels."
While AMD and TI could not be reached for comment, TI previously stated its strong opposition to the use of its chips in Russian military equipment, deeming such shipments "illicit." Intel acknowledged the difficulty in controlling or tracing products that bypass sanctions, stating they operate in strict accordance with export laws and hold distributors accountable, but cannot always dictate end-user applications. However, evidence cited includes a 2023 report finding that 82% of recovered Russian drones used US-made components, with AMD parts also commonly found.
The lawsuits seek not only compensation for funeral expenses and medical bills but also "exemplary damages" to punish the alleged wrongful conduct and deter similar future actions. Ultimately, the litigation aims to send a clear message: American companies must take responsibility when their technologies are weaponised to cause harm. By making the process financially punitive, the plaintiffs hope to force changes that disrupt critical supply chains, preventing US tech from reaching weapon systems used against innocent civilians.
Fuente Original: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/ukrainians-sue-us-chip-firms-for-powering-russian-drones-missiles/
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