Growing trade between Moscow and the Emirates has raised concerns among Western allies, prompting the US, UK, and EU to appeal to the UAE and request that the country cease sales of dual-use goods to Russia. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Western officials planned to jointly address the UAE, expressing concerns that the supply of computer chips, electronic components, and other products with both civilian and military applications could potentially aid Moscow in its war against Ukraine.
Despite its historically strong ties with Western countries, the UAE has chosen not to impose sanctions on Russia in relation to the conflict in Ukraine. Instead, Abu Dhabi has actively sought to expand economic cooperation with Moscow, resulting in a surge in trade between the two states last year.
Recent reports indicate that the flow of Russian oil and precious metals into the emirate has increased, alongside the UAE’s export of microchips and civilian drones to Russia. Data from the Kiev School of Economics, based on Russia’s trade data, reveals that the UAE exported $149 million worth of computer components and modules to Russia in the first five months of 2023, compared to just $1 million in the same period the previous year. Additionally, exports of communication equipment rose from zero to $64 million, while deliveries of electrical and electronic equipment jumped from $1 million to $20 million.
Officials from the US and EU, cited by the WSJ, have expressed growing concerns regarding the increasing export of Western-made goods to Russia via the UAE, particularly since previous calls to halt these deliveries have been ignored. The US State Department has sought assistance from other countries that are being exploited to circumvent export controls and redirect prohibited goods to Russian end-users.
The report does not provide specific details on the form or timing of the joint appeal to the UAE. Currently, officials from Washington and Brussels are visiting Abu Dhabi to further address these concerns.
In response, a UAE official assured the WSJ that the country is closely monitoring the export of dual-use products to Russia and is committed to protecting the integrity of the global financial system.
While this issue raises concerns among Western allies, it highlights the growing economic ties between the UAE and Russia. As trade between the two nations continues to expand, it remains to be seen how this joint appeal will influence the UAE’s position and its trade relationship with Russia.
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