The Russian admitted in a US court in an attempt to circumvent export sanctions

The Russian, head of the Russian energy company KS Engineering (KSE), Oleg Nikitin, during a court hearing, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to circumvent US sanctions and deceive the authorities, the US Department of Justice said in a statement.

Nikitin faces up to five years in federal prison, as well as significant fines and penalties. After his release, he can also be under supervision for up to three years.

Court documents and testimonies state that Nikitin admitted colluding with others to circumvent U.S. sanctions prohibiting the export of equipment that could "make a significant contribution to the military capability or proliferation of nuclear weapons in other countries," as well as pose a threat to U.S. national security.

The Ministry of Justice alleges that a certain company "controlled by the Russian government" gave an order to KSE to purchase a power turbine from an American manufacturer. The transaction amount was about $17.3 million.