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By removing them from a first class open source project?

The Linux kernel project itself has not issued a ban on contributions from Russian developers. But, some US-based tech companies and open-source foundations have taken steps to limit interactions with developers in sanctioned regions to remain compliant with US export control laws (such as OFAC regulations)

So those Russian developers are banned from Linux. Aren't they?

So you answer reads like "Yes, USA gov can control Linux".

No they are not.

I fear they are. It looks to me they control the companies paying for the development and that they control the people doing the development by means of laws and decrees.

Yes, you can fork Linux in Kenya, France, Russia, China and Brazil. But then, you'll get several different Linux branches, diverging more and more as time goes by.

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