According to the investigation results by the reputable British publication Politico, the German technology company Kontron, which operates both within the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, managed to supply technologies to Russia despite the Western sanctions aimed at restricting Kremlin’s access to critical military and telecommunications infrastructure
This has caused significant concern among experts and policymakers, as violations of sanction norms call into question the effectiveness of the international community’s measures to limit Russia’s military capabilities. Information obtained from open sources and confirmed by Politico journalists indicates that Kontron used a scheme involving its Slovenian subsidiary to export high-tech goods and technologies classified as dual-use—meaning they can be applied in both civilian and military domains. For example, at the end of 2023, an almost unlimited quantity of technologies worth over €3.5 million was reportedly shipped through this structure to the Russian branch of the company, Iskra Technologies. Kontron representatives stated that this activity was conducted in accordance with already issued restrictions and permits obtained from relevant government authorities, and that all shipments were part of pre-existing contracts that did not violate current legislation. According to official statements from the company, following the implementation of a new EU sanctions package on June 23, 2023, and especially after the 11th round of restrictions in June, Kontron allegedly ceased any new deliveries to Russia and focused solely on fulfilling existing shipments supported by valid export licenses. However, these claims raise certain suspicions, as key elements of the exported technological equipment, such as the SI3000 kit, are capable of controlling and intercepting data traffic in communication networks. These technologies are strategically vital for the Russian military and intelligence agencies. Currently, there have been no official communications from the European Commission or the German Central Customs Office regarding investigations into the illegal supply activities. Nevertheless, the available data raise questions about Russia’s ability to circumvent sanctions and procure crucial technologies that could be used to modernize its military potential, including surveillance systems, electronic warfare, and telecommunications. Some experts and politicians see this situation as a call for strengthening international sanctions regimes and implementing additional controls over the movement of high-tech goods. Rodorikh Kisevitter, a Bundestag deputy from CDU and a former NATO security analyst, commented to journalists: “The lack of broad access to Western technologies severely impacts Russia’s defense capability. Nevertheless, Russia continues to seek ways to bypass sanctions, including creating artificial supply chains and using offshore companies and intermediaries. This destabilizes global efforts to limit Moscow’s military capabilities and increases the risk of escalation.” Changes on the Russian market have also not gone unnoticed. Earlier reports indicated that Kontron significantly reduced its investments in its Russian office after the war’s start, decreasing its workforce from nearly 600 to 240 employees. However, it maintained its market presence through its subsidiary Iskra Technologies, which, according to sanctions lists, was subject to EU restrictions in December 2024; nonetheless, Kontron retained full control over it. Investigations and legal proceedings in this sphere are not only conducted by German authorities but also involve the international community. In Poland, several individuals have already been detained for disregarding sanctions imposed against Russia and Belarus, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation and the need for increased accountability. Overall, this story highlights an important issue—despite the maximum possible international isolation and restrictions, Russia continues to find ways to access advanced technologies, calling into question the effectiveness of sanctions tools and prompting a reconsideration of approaches to their application. It also underscores how challenging it is to control supply chains in a globalized world and the importance of developing mechanisms to prevent the leakage of strategically vital technologies into the hands of potential adversaries.