The European Union leadership has informed member states that the United Arab Emirates has agreed to restrict exports to Russia of sensitive goods used for military purposes in Ukraine. This week, the European Commission informed ambassadors of the move. Turkey is considering similar measures, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the matter.
These actions will cover direct re-exports and are a victory for Ukraine's allies, who are seeking to impede the flow of military goods to Russia. At issue are dozens of technologies and components that are used in or required for the production of weapons found in Ukraine.
A UAE official told Bloomberg that the country restricts the export and re-export of dual-use goods to conflict zones, taking measures in accordance with export control laws.
He also emphasized that the UAE constantly monitors the export of dual-use goods. At the same time, the European Commission and the Turkish Ministry of Trade refused to comment on the issue.
After the EU and the G7 countries banned the export of dual-use goods to Russia, Russia found ways around it by importing them through third countries, including Central Asia, Turkey, the UAE, and others. Kazakhstan also announced restrictions on exports of military goods to Russia.
Of greatest concern, China and Hong Kong account for more than 80% of Russia's purchases of priority goods. They are followed by Turkey and the UAE, responsible for 6% and 4% of trade, respectively.
Ukraine's allies have been actively engaging with these regions to persuade them to limit trade flows. Recent data show that direct exports to Russia from these countries have begun to decline, although they are still above pre-war levels.
