Putin apparently continues to find ways to circumvent Western sanctions. According to reports, Russia also uses loopholes for military purposes.
Russia's economy must massively ramp up its arms industry because weapons are becoming scarce for Russian armed forces at the front. When it comes to producing weapons, Vladimir Putin relies heavily on supplies of important equipment. CNC machines worth $355 million were identified in Russian industrial plants in 2023 alone. The delivery of CNC equipment would cause great concern for the Ukrainians' allies. But how exactly do such machines get to Russia? The independent Russian website Rhodus Intelligence says that, in general, many machines and their components reach Russia via Turkey. Other important intermediaries are the United Arab Emirates and China, according to the website. The New Voice of Ukraine: "Without these machines, Russia would not be able to produce weapons and wage war," Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said. "Essentially, it's about making the weapons that kill us."