The EC is considering sanctions against companies supplying weapons technology to Russia – Business

The European Commission is evaluating potential sanctions against more than a dozen companies that continued to buy banned goods from the EU and deliver them to Russia, according to a document seen by Bloomberg.

Companies based in Russia, as well as in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, China and Hong Kong, imported millions of euros worth of EU-restricted goods that were used by the Russian military despite the bloc’s broad trade restrictions, the agency noted.

A spokesperson for the European Commission declined to comment on this information.

The EU has made it a top priority to crack down on companies that circumvent its sanctions on so-called high-priority items – goods found in Russian weapons in Ukraine or needed to make them.

Bloomberg reported earlier that Russia is still acquiring tens of millions of euros worth of banned technology through third countries, as well as companies and subsidiaries in those countries.

The EC is also considering whether to sanction a small number of China- and Hong Kong-based companies that allegedly provided Russia with satellite imagery and other technology.

Several of the companies that could be subject to potential sanctions are based outside of Russia but have ties to individuals and businesses in Russia and Belarus, the document said.

EU countries are expected to start discussing a new package of sanctions later this week.

The proposal to sanction these entities is uncertain and the proposed measures may vary. EU sanctions require the support of all member states to be adopted, Bloomberg reminds.

Imports to Russia included technology related to missile navigation systems, EU-made antennas, as well as components used in military computer hardware, according to the document seen by the agency. Much of the equipment is EU or US branded.

The companies noted in the document help support Russia’s technological advancement and Moscow’s efforts on the battlefield, the document also states.

Some of the companies under review have previously been sanctioned by the US.