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10 February, 2023
Western components have no place in Russia’s arsenal
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Western politicians imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia. But they have done too little to hit the weak points of the Russian army. Dependence on Western technologies is one such point. And it is necessary to concentrate on it now. Moreover, public authorities, politicians, and manufacturers should take appropriate steps.
 
NAKO Executive Director Olena Tregub writes about this in a column for the Financial Times.
 
Western components are found, for example, in Russian X-101 cruise missiles and Orlan-10. The Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone used by Russian forces has more than 30 components, according to NAKO's own investigation. 
 
The manufacturers justify that these components are dual-purpose products. And that they cannot trace the real buyers in the sanctioned countries. Indeed, a chip used in a refrigerator or a toaster can easily serve as part of a missile guidance system. Both direct and indirect bulk deliveries of such chips to Russia must be discontinued. 
 
But manufacturers make more efforts to avoid responsibility than to prevent the transfer of technology to Russia by conducting more thorough inspections. This should be an important step for manufacturing companies, Olena Tregub is convinced.
 
Governments must take immediate steps to examine the supply networks both inside and outside their borders and review and strengthen export controls. They should also investigate third countries which are facilitating the re-export or trans-shipment of controlled goods to Russia as an urgent priority. Policymakers should consider whether suppliers of dual-use products to Russia — accidental or otherwise — should be allowed to bid for government contracts. 
 
“Weapons supply and maintenance is the Russian army’s Achilles heel. It is high time the west lived up to its responsibilities by helping Kyiv to exploit it”, Olena Tregub emphasizes.