82 Russian oligarchs allegedly involved in manufacturing arms for Russia’s war on Ukraine, most not under EU sanctions
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At least 82 Russian oligarchs are allegedly involved in manufacturing weapons for Russia’s war against Ukraine, with most of them not under EU sanctions, Yekaterina Reznikova, a journalist from the Russian publication Projekt, said in an interview with the Lithuanian news agency LRT on Aug. 4.
These oligarchs actively support Russia’s war against Ukraine and contribute to the production of weapons used by the invaders, particularly against innocent civilians, Reznikova said. Although most of them do not publicly express their position on the war, they secretly provide financial support to Russia, she said.
Reznikova stated that the weapons used by the Russian army in Bucha against the civilian population and the bombs dropped on Mariupol were manufactured with the assistance of Russian oligarchs.
The investigation by Projekt, published on July 31, reveals that the 82 richest individuals in Russia have various ties to the military or otherwise aid the support of the war in Ukraine. Some manufacture components for bombs, while others produce tanks and aircraft, and some provide diverse communication and insurance services.
“We initially identified 81 individuals, but thanks to our readers, we added one more person to the list... This additional individual owns a company that sells computer equipment. He sells computers and other office equipment even in the occupied territory. His company facilitated the transportation and abduction of children,” Reznikova said.
The largest “contribution” to Russia’s war against Ukraine comes from Russian billionaire Mikhail Shelkov, the owner of the metallurgical company VSMPO-Avisma. This company manufactures titanium, which is then supplied for the production of armored vehicles and aircraft currently involved in the conflict with Ukraine.
Second on the list is Yuriy Kovalchuk, an oligarch closely associated with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. He has signed insurance contracts with the Russian military totaling RUR 47 billion (UAH 14.1 billion or $491 million).
The third place is held by Boris Rotenberg, also closely connected to Putin, whose company was involved in building facilities, transporting, and installing equipment, including high-frequency devices used in the military industry.
Reznikova noted that almost all of these Russian oligarchs, 80 out of 82, are under some form of sanction. However, the problem lies in the fact that these sanctions are usually announced only by Ukraine, and these wealthy individuals are not subject to sanctions in the United States, Canada, or the European Union.
“When it comes to the specific sanctions of the EU countries, they only apply to 31 oligarchs,” Reznikova said.
U.S. newspaper the New York Times reported on July 27 that the UK government had allowed Russian oligarchs under sanctions to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on private chefs, drivers, and domestic staff, despite their bank accounts being frozen.
On July 13, it was reported that the business of the wealthiest Russian oligarch, Vladimir Lisin, continues to cooperate with the defense industry and prisons.
This billionaire, close to Putin, is not subject to sanctions in either the United States or the UK.
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