Coal Trade Between Russian-Annexed Ukraine and NATO Member Turkey Revealed

Russian customs data reveals that at least $14.3 million worth of coal from the annexed regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Ukraine has been exported to Turkey, a NATO member, this year. Turkey, which supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, has not imposed trade restrictions on Russia or the areas controlled by Moscow. The data shows that Turkey accounted for 95% of coal shipments from the annexed regions, making it the largest export destination. The buyers of the coal were companies registered in Hong Kong, the UAE, and offshore jurisdictions, but no Turkish companies were listed. The United States has cautioned against supporting Russia's war against Ukraine or circumventing sanctions, while the European Union has imposed import bans on goods from the annexed regions.