An investigation has exposed how Russia has tapped Taiwan as its primary source of banned high-tech machine tools by evading sanctions through intermediaries in Türkiye and China
From: Euromaiden Press BY ALYA SHANDRA
An in-depth investigation by The Insider and Taiwanese outlet The Reporter has revealed that Taiwan has become the primary source of precision metalworking machines for Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, despite Taipei’s public support for Kyiv.
Precision machine tools, also called Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools, are the backbone of Russian military production, as they enable advanced arms manufacturing such as missiles, aircraft, or radars. There is not a single Russian tank, plane, or APC that does not have parts made with foreign CNC machine tools.
According to Russian customs records analyzed by trade data firm NBD, between March and September 2023, Russia imported at least 193 Taiwanese-made machining centers worth a total of nearly $29 million, Russia’s Insider reported. Additionally, close to 80% of all Taiwanese machine tools shipped to Russia are being transshipped through third countries, especially Türkiye and China.
Voice of Ukraine 