Central Asian countries have increased the supply of "dual-purpose" goods to Russia, which the Russians can use to repair military equipment, The Telegraph reports, citing a secret document of the European Union.
European officials identified trade channels from the European Union to Russia through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and other Asian countries, through which the volume of deliveries increased by 60-80%. Among the goods delivered are washing machines, cameras, and cars, which could be used for military purposes. The Russians are said to be using electronics and other components to repair tanks, armored personnel carriers, reconnaissance drones, and other equipment damaged in the war in Ukraine.
According to sources, a significant part of the cargo is exported from the EU to Belarus and delivered to Central Asian countries through the land border with Lithuania. Europeans can trace export documents only up to the outer border of the region, after which the movement of equipment cannot be controlled. European Union officials are concerned that Asian allies are helping the Kremlin avoid international sanctions aimed at depriving Russia of military equipment.
EU reportedly plans to impose restrictions on countries that trade with Russians, but politicians aim first to solve the problem through diplomacy, threatening economic consequences. Kazakhstan has already promised to strengthen control over goods passing through the country.
"We understand all the dangers of secondary sanctions, so we carefully monitor our trade with all partners," the government of Kazakhstan commented.
The Telegraph notes that Poland has closed its border with Belarus, but Lithuania is continuing to trade with Minsk. At the same time, the Lithuanian government complains that 97% of trade deliveries through Belarus are carried out by other countries. G7 diplomats are also keeping a close eye on Turkey, Armenia, and the UAE to avoid helping the Russian military.
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