BAKU – A coalition of Azerbaijani non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has issued an open letter to senior officials in the United States and the European Union, urging measures to address Armenia’s alleged role in facilitating Russia’s evasion of international sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.

According to Trend News Agency, the letter targets multiple high-ranking figures, including U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, highlighting concerns over Armenia’s increasing trade activities which they claim circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia. The NGOs assert that Armenia’s actions undermine efforts to maintain global stability and peace, particularly as they relate to the conflict in Ukraine.

The letter details significant increases in Armenian imports and exports with Russia, particularly in sectors crucial to industrial and technological capabilities, which they suggest is disproportionate to Armenia’s economic capacity. “Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2020, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover with Russia has surged, potentially enabling Russia to access goods and technologies despite international sanctions,” the NGOs expressed.

The Azerbaijani NGOs pointed out an alarming rise in the trade of specific items such as telephone equipment and passenger cars, which have seen unprecedented increases in export volumes to Russia. They argue that these transactions do not align with Armenia’s production capacities, indicating that these goods are likely re-exported from third countries, thereby acting as a loophole in the sanctions regime.

Furthermore, the signatories have called for enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement of trade regulations involving Armenia, suggesting targeted sanctions and increased diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance with international law. “Armenia’s current trade practices not only aid Russia in circumventing sanctions but also directly contradict the efforts of the international community to curtail the conflict in Ukraine,” they stated.

The letter concludes with a collective appeal for decisive action from Western governments to close potential sanctions evasion channels and uphold the integrity of international law and order. The NGOs hope that addressing these issues will reinforce global sanctions against Russia and contribute to restoring peace and stability in Ukraine.