ISTANBUL—Turkish companies last year exported tens of millions of dollars worth of machinery, electronics, spare parts and other items that Russia needs for its military, according to a survey of trade data, showing how Moscow can fuel its war effort despite international sanctions.
At least 13 Turkish firms exported a total of at least $18.5 million worth of items, including plastics, rubber items and vehicles, to at least 10 Russian companies sanctioned by the U.S. for their role in Russia’s assault on Ukraine, the data show. The Turkish companies sent at least three shipments of American-made goods, according to the data reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.
Turkish firms also sent another $15 million in American-made elevators, electric generators, circuit boards and other items to Russia in violation of U.S. export controls designed to starve Russia of vital military equipment from March to October 2022, the data show.
The U.S. and more than 30 other countries imposed sanctions on Russia last year in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attempting to deprive the Kremlin of funds, weapons and technologies it needs to wage war. Turkey, which is a North Atlantic Treaty Organization ally, is among a number of countries that have said they won’t enforce those sanctions.
Now nearly a year after the invasion, the U.S. is pressuring third countries like Turkey to cooperate with key aspects of the sanctions. Senior U.S. Treasury officials this week visited Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Oman to clamp down on Russian military-procurement networks in the region.
The visit comes after top U.S. officials warned Turkey late last year that Turkish individuals could face fines and jail time for servicing U.S.-made aircraft flying to and from Russia in violation of export controls, the Journal reported.
A Ukrainian serviceman. Ukrainian and Western officials have warned that Russia is preparing for a major new assault.
Photo:
sameer al-doumy/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
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