Economic

Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, the West has unequivocally declared its support for official Kyiv. However, it is not considering to fully sever ties with Russia in pursuit of its own interests. These connections continue primarily in the economic sector.

Renowned economist Robin Brooks has revealed new facts confirming that trade between Western countries and Russia persists. According to Brooks, Western countries continue to supply their products to Russia through four transit countries.

Interestingly, among the goods supplied to Russia, which is at war with Ukraine, are dual-use goods utilized in the military-industrial complex.

The economist notes that Germany is the leader in supplying products to Russia. Berlin uses Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia as transit points to send products of various purposes to Russia.

The U.S. supplies products to Russia mainly through Georgia, while Italy primarily uses Kyrgyzstan and Armenia as transit routes.

Robin Brooks notes that European Union politicians say one thing but do another.

The economist adds that since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine, there has been a sharp increase in the export of products from the West and other countries to Central Asia and the Caucasus. This indicates that these products are being transported from there to Russia.

It appears that, although these countries are aligned against Russia due to the war with Ukraine, they do not neglect their economic interests.

Another interesting fact is that Armenia, which has positioned itself as turning away from Moscow and looking towards the West, is also a crucial link in the export chain to Russia that is outside of sanctions. This fact reaffirms Armenia's significant role in helping Russia evade sanctions.

Economist Robin Brooks had noted back in December 2023 that Armenia helps Russia in exporting products that are outside of sanctions.

“You should ask what is happening in the European Union. The EU also considers Putin’s aggression against Ukraine to be a major threat to everyone. However, there are many points to consider: Since Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, exports from the EU to Armenia have increased by 200%. These products are going to Russia, assisting Putin,” said Robin Brooks, former Chief Economist of the Institute of International Finance (IIF).

Brooks' analysis revealed that since the start of the war in Ukraine in March 2022, the volume of exports from EU countries to Armenia has increased by 4-5 times. Additionally, there has been a twofold increase in product exports from China, a Russian ally, to Armenia.

Further evidence confirming that European countries continue their trade relations with Russia was reported in Western media itself in February 2024. Analysts from Sky News investigated how British products were being delivered to Russia.

The investigation revealed that from the UK, equipment for unmanned aerial vehicles, heavy machinery, and other products were being sent to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia.

Exports to Kyrgyzstan had increased by 1,100%. The analysis indicated that these products were subsequently being shipped from Kyrgyzstan to Russia.

Analysts identified that other European countries, primarily Germany and Poland, were also sending large volumes of equipment to Russia via Caucasus and Central Asian countries.

It can be said with certainty that among the Caucasus countries, Armenia plays a significant role in helping Russia evade sanctions. It is no coincidence that trade between Russia and Armenia has sharply increased since the war with Ukraine began. This trade surge is undoubtedly due to the export of products from Western countries to Russia.

Facts confirm this once again. Over the past two years, trade turnover between Russia and Armenia has increased fivefold, rising from $1.5 billion to $7.3 billion. It is intriguing how Armenia, which is politically at odds with Moscow, has managed to significantly boost its exports to Russia. Of course: by acting as a transit country for products sent from the West and other countries to circumvent sanctions on Russia…

For comparison, it is worth noting that Azerbaijan's trade turnover with Russia has increased by approximately 17% over the past year, reaching $4.3 billion. Economists consider this a stable growth.

Interestingly, European countries, which are in a state of war with Russia and the U.S., take no measures against Armenia, which plays a crucial role in helping Russia evade sanctions, and turn a blind eye to it. This is likely because they, too, are part of this scenario.

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