An investigation has revealed how Russia continues to bypass Western sanctions by relying on companies in third-party countries, particularly Kazakhstan.
These firms have been purchasing dual-use goods — technologies with both civilian and military applications — from Western manufacturers and re-exporting them to Russia, according to WP.
Between 2023 and 2024, Kazakh companies acquired products from global firms such as Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), Safran Data Systems (France), Mini-Circuits (USA), and Farran Technology (Ireland).
These goods were later delivered to Russian companies under Western sanctions. Documents revealed that one Kazakh firm promised to supply Spanish equipment from Keysight Technologies to Russia’s Dipol company.
Experts confirm that such technologies are used to develop and modernize Russian military equipment, including electronic intelligence satellites.
Companies Are Willing
Kazakh intermediaries have also played a role in maintaining Russian Su-30SM fighter jets. French components needed for these jets were purchased through Indian brokers, bypassing sanctions.
While France has since acted to restrict such transactions, similar strategies continue for other military technologies, such as electronic warfare systems.
Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war and the imposition of sanctions, Russia has increasingly turned to Central Asian nations to access restricted goods.
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan have seen significant economic growth due to this trade. However, some of their firms have been sanctioned by the U.S. and U.K., though experts warn that enforcement remains inconsistent.
Undercover journalists posed as Russian buyers seeking Western equipment through Kazakh firms.
Their findings showed that companies were willing to facilitate transactions, underscoring how profits drive the circumvention of sanctions.
Russia struggles to produce key military technologies domestically, making it reliant on these international networks. Experts warn that sanctions enforcement must improve, and supply chain monitoring needs to intensify.
Without such efforts, third-party nations will continue enabling Russia to obtain restricted technologies, undermining the impact of Western sanctions.
