UK firms' components end up in Russia - Sky News

Sky News analysts have found out how components of British companies get to Russia.

This was reported by Sky News.

Drone equipment, heavy machinery, and other goods go from the UK to Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Uzbekistan.

Exports to Kyrgyzstan increased by more than 1100%. The analysis shows that these goods are being shipped from there to Russia.

Despite the sanctions imposed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, some goods from the UK still reach Moscow. These are "dual-use" goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Analysts have found that other European countries, primarily Germany and Poland, are also sending large amounts of equipment to Russia via these Caucasus and Central Asian states.

"They're clearly getting an order from somewhere that is a Russian satellite that happens to be domiciled in one of these Central Asian countries," said Robin Brooks, former chief economist at the IIF.

"From the Western European and especially the EU side, I would say, this has been going on for a while. It is at this point widely known in Brussels, and I think there is a key question as to why nothing is being done at a central EU level to stop this? ", Brooks continued.

A spokesperson told Sky News: "We also recently announced the creation of a new Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation to strengthen our enforcement of sanctions. Any non-compliance with these tough sanctions is a serious offence and punishable through large financial penalties or criminal prosecution”.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 22/02/2024