Irina Pogorelaya00:26, 01.02.24
The competent authorities of Moldova are already dealing with these cases.
During 2022-2023, three Moldovan companies sold aviation spare parts to the Russian Federation worth about $15 million.
As stated in an investigation by the Moldovan service of Radio Liberty , the supply of spare parts for aircraft to the Russian Federation through Moldova began a few months after the Russian attack on Ukraine. Imported parts were supplied to large Russian airlines.
Three Moldovan companies were involved in the scheme – Airrock Solutions, Aerostage Services and Maxjet Service. Some of these companies were founded in 2021-2022, and their owner is a former top official of the airline Air Moldova, Ivan Melnikov. The third was founded in 2011 and belongs to Sergei Ranga.
These companies acted as intermediaries and placed orders for spare parts, after which they helped supply them to the Russian Federation, but transportation did not take place through Moldova.
Both Melnikov and Ranga told Radio Liberty that they did not know about the supply of parts purchased by their companies to the Russian Federation. According to the agreement, they were intended for other countries.
The investigation notes that the reason for this situation could be Moldova’s non-joining of some anti-Russian EU sanctions that relate to aircraft spare parts.
Radio Liberty sources in the office of Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that they are aware of these cases and that the “competent authorities” are already dealing with them. In addition, Chisinau is discussing the possibility of joining additional EU sanctions.
How sanctions were introduced against the Russian Federation
The European Union introduced economic sanctions against the Russian Federation on July 31, 2014, significantly expanding them after February 2022. The last 12th package of restrictive measures was adopted by the European Council on December 18, 2023. The sanctions cover various aspects related to technology, industry, trade, finance, transport and luxury goods.
The EU should soon introduce a new, 13th package of sanctions. It will affect a large number of individuals and legal entities associated with the invasion of Ukraine. The package is expected to be approved by February 24.
At the same time, on January 29, the Council of the European Union extended the sanctions against the Russian Federation for another six months – until July 31.
(C)UNIAN 2024
“Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that they are aware of these cases and that the “competent authorities” are already dealing with them.”
Too little, too late. There should have been headlines about razzias at those companies and interrogations of the managers. The EU should make it clear that it expects forceful actions against such colaboration with the enemy and that joining the sanctions is not an option, but a requirement.
Sir Gray I wholeheartedly understand your comment and agree. Unfortunately I have this nagging pain in the back of my neck thinking of all the corruption in our beloved Ukraine. I don’t know whether we have the moral right to criticize others until we get our shop in order.