Türkiye implemented covert restrictions on the export of US-origin military equipment to Russia, the Financial Times reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Prior to these restrictions, Türkiye maintained significant trade relations with Russia despite being a NATO member, with Turkish exports of military-capable technologies to Russia surging from $3 million to $38 million monthly after the invasion of Ukraine, according to FT data.
This trade flow allowed Russia to acquire crucial components for weapons systems used against Ukraine, particularly electronic components for missiles and drones, undermining international sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s military capabilities.
“Ankara recently modified its customs system to block the export of more than 40 categories of US-origin goods that Russia could use in its war against Ukraine,” sources told FT.
According to the report, the new electronic customs system now prevents the export of microchips, remote control systems, and other items from a “priority” list jointly compiled by the US, UK, EU, and Japan. These components are particularly significant as Russia uses them in missiles and drones.
FT notes that Turkish banks have also sharply reduced their business with Russian counterparts this year after the US imposed sanctions on creditors processing Russian transactions.
Bloomberg reported in April that Turkish-Russian trade volume dropped significantly after sanctions were imposed on Turkish companies trading with Russia.
According to the Türkiye’s Ministry of Trade, Turkish exports to Russia decreased by 33.7% in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, with machine tools, electric motors, and pumps showing particularly sharp declines.
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