Moscow is leaning on long-standing networks - agents of influence and “shadow” lobbyists - to advance its goals, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR) said.
A single Russian Shahed/Geran drone can contain 8 to 12 transistors produced by German firm Infineon Technologies, according to GUR. With Russia aiming to manufacture 40,000 combat drones a year, its annual need for such transistors could reach up to half a million, the agency said.
Germany is one of Ukraine’s leading supporters in the war against Russia, condemns Moscow’s aggression and backs the sanctions regime. The country remains a prime focus of Russian intelligence services.
The aggressor is tapping old connections - agents of influence and “shadow” lobbyists in German business and political circles - to set up schemes that move banned goods around sanctions, GUR said.
“These schemes include creating shell companies and gray logistics chains that run through third countries, allowing Russia to obtain prohibited, high-quality components to manufacture weapons and continue its ‘genocidal war in Europe,’” the agency added.
GUR said the situation demands stronger export controls and closer coordination among European partners to rapidly identify and block Russian schemes.
More than half of the factories of Uralvagonzavod, Russia’s leading armored-vehicle manufacturer, are still not under Western sanctions and can operate without hindrance.
