According to a confidential report from the German Foreign Ministry, China is the main culprit in over 80% of cases of sanctions evasion imposed against Russia. This is confirmed by data obtained by the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the NDR and WDR networks. The document summarizes the results of a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels, where the possibilities of expanding the sanctions regime and their effectiveness were discussed.
This is reported by Kyiv24
China’s Role in Sanctions Evasion
The report states that it is Chinese companies and vessels that are actively used to circumvent sanctions, complicating efforts to combat the Russian economy and the smuggling of goods related to military needs. According to a quote from the document, “China is responsible for 80% of the cases of sanctions evasion imposed against Russia.”
The report also emphasizes that the European Union has achieved some success in limiting the export of war-related goods through the use of third countries, including Armenia, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and India. Nevertheless, challenges remain with countries such as Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkish ports, which are often used for transporting prohibited goods.
Prospects and Challenges in Sanctions Policy
The report highlights that the European Union no longer relies on support from the United States in combating sanctions evasion. The lack of joint contacts and a decline in cooperation dynamics between Europe and the United States on this issue complicate the effectiveness of measures. In particular,
“there are no longer any joint contacts between the European Union and the United States regarding the sanctions regime, and cooperation among the ‘Group of Seven’ countries on new restrictions has lost momentum.”
Previously, finance ministers from the G7 countries confirmed their support for measures to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine and to increase pressure on Russia through the possible introduction of new sanctions. They also kept Russian assets immobilized in their jurisdictions until the country ceases its aggression and compensates for the damage caused to Ukraine.