Washington, D.C. – Despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Western countries continue to engage in substantial trade with Russia, using Armenia and other nations as key transit points to circumvent sanctions, according to revelations by economist Robin Brooks.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Brooks highlighted that Germany, the United States, and Italy, among other Western nations, persist in shipping goods, including dual-use items potentially beneficial to Russia’s military industry, through transit countries like Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia. This practice has been maintained even as these countries publicly condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The economist’s findings indicate a significant discrepancy between political rhetoric and economic actions within the EU and beyond.

Further investigations have supported Brooks’ claims, with reports from Western media outlets such as Sky News uncovering that goods such as unmanned aerial vehicle components and heavy machinery are being shipped to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia, only to be forwarded to Russia. Notably, exports to Kyrgyzstan from the UK have surged by 1,100%, illustrating the scale of these operations.

Armenia plays a pivotal role in this trade network, as evidenced by a fivefold increase in trade turnover between Russia and Armenia, rising from $1.5 billion to $7.3 billion since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war. This growth starkly contrasts with the political tensions purportedly distancing Armenia from Moscow, instead highlighting its strategic use as a trade conduit.

These findings raise critical questions about the effectiveness and enforcement of sanctions against Russia, and whether economic interests are undermining the intended impact of these international measures.