Turkey Exported Strategic Goods Worth $158 Million to Russia

Turkey has reportedly exported dual-use goods to Russia amounting to $158 million, including microchips and optical sights that could potentially be used by the Kremlin in the conflict in Ukraine.

This information comes from the Financial Times. 

According to the publication, in the first nine months of 2023 alone, Turkey exported 45 categories of "priority" goods to Russia and "former Soviet countries," which are suspected of acting as intermediaries for Moscow in supplying sanctioned goods the Kremlin needs to wage a brutal war in Ukraine.

In the first three quarters of 2023, Turkey exported goods to Russia totaling $158 million. This figure is significantly higher than the average from 2015 to 2021, which was $28 million.

At the same time, Turkey's import of priority goods from the G7 countries increased by more than 60% compared to the same period from 2015 to 2021.

Among the 45 categories of priority goods are microchips, communication equipment, and various components, including optical sights. These goods are subject to export controls in the United States, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom, which are intended to prevent their import into the territory of the aggressor country.

However, companies can often circumvent restrictions by using intermediaries who redirect sanctioned goods to Russia.

Turkey's actions have raised concerns in the United States and the European Union, as they contradict the intentions of the Collective West to limit the Kremlin's ability to equip its armed forces with the necessary components for waging war.

According to Brian Nelson, US Treasury under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, he will visit Turkey this week to discuss "efforts to prevent, disrupt, and investigate trade and financial activity that benefit the Russian effort in its war against Ukraine."

Former Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Emily Kilcrease noted that if Ankara does not change its policy, the "U.S. and its partners will be forced to take coercive measures."

It's worth mentioning that earlier, The Gaze reported that despite imposed sanctions, Russia can still purchase and import firearms and ammunition produced in certain European countries and the U.S.