On October 9, 2025, NAKO Senior Researcher Viktoriia Vyshnivska took part in an expert discussion of a new study by the National Interests Advocacy Network (ANTS) titled “Strategy for Victory Through Increased Sanctions Pressure on Russia.” The research aimed to demonstrate how Western countries can move from “slow pressure” to total economic isolation of the Russian Federation.
In her remarks, Vyshnivska noted that after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the U.S. and EU countries stopped direct supplies of microelectronics to Russia. However, within a year and a half, Russia managed to reconfigure its supply routes for critical technologies. This, she said, is confirmed by the increased intensity of Russian attacks since early 2024.
“European countries and the U.S. are unable to influence other states that are pseudo-neutral — or not very neutral — and continue selling microelectronics to Russia. Three countries play a major role here: China, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. China now accounts for more than 70% of re-exports,” emphasized the NAKO expert.
Microelectronics supply chains to Russia can pass through several intermediary countries, making it difficult for manufacturers to track end users. Therefore, an important element of counteraction is engaging third countries that want to import microelectronics from Europe and the U.S. but fail to consider the consequences of its resale.
However, Western partners currently lack sufficient resources to effectively detect, investigate, and counter sanction evasion routes. “Unfortunately, our colleagues cannot yet cope effectively with the challenges posed by Russia. We’re in the fourth year, and the situation remains unchanged. All we can do is continue raising this issue — more actively, again and again,” concluded Viktoriia Vyshnivska.
Photo by Ukrinform
