Washington: A group of Azerbaijani NGOs has addressed an open letter to the heads of the main bodies responsible for implementing and monitoring the implementation of sanctions against Russia in the United States and the European Union, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open letter titled “Open Letter to Key Officials Overseeing Sanction Enforcement Against Russia” was sent to several high-ranking officials, including Honorable James David Vance, Vice President of the United States, and Honorable Marco Antonio Rubio, US Secretary of State, among others. The letter expresses deep concern regarding the activities of the Republic of Armenia, which have allegedly enabled Russia to bypass international sanctions imposed in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The letter highlights a significant surge in Armenia’s trade with Russia, noting that since the war began in 2022, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover has increased drastically, far exceeding its economic capacity. The trade with Russia, which stood at $2.5 billion in 2021, is projected to reach $12 billion by 2024. The letter points out that Armenia’s exports to Russia, particularly high-tech goods, suggest a potential violation of sanctions by facilitating the transfer of goods that may support Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine.

The letter emphasizes that despite strengthened sanctions regimes by both the U.S. and European Union, Armenia’s actions represent a loophole in these measures. The Azerbaijani NGOs have called for tighter oversight of Armenia’s trade, enhanced sanctions enforcement, and increased diplomatic pressure on Armenia to cease its support for Russia.

The signatories of the letter include members of various Azerbaijani NGOs, highlighting the broad concern within the Azerbaijani civil society over Armenia’s role in undermining international efforts to restore peace and stability in Ukraine. The letter concludes with an urgent appeal to prevent Armenia from enabling Russia’s sanctions evasion.