A Royal Navy shipbuilder’s Russian subsidiary is accused of supplying sanctioned British components to Vladimir Putin’s wartime fleet, according to a Sun investigation. Damen Engineering Saint Petersburg, a Russian subsidiary of the UK-based shipbuilder, reportedly sent over £60,000 worth of banned parts to Russia for crab catcher vessels. The components were produced in the UK and used in vessels enlisted by Putin in 2022 as part of Russia’s naval expansion.
The investigation found that the parts, which were subject to UK sanctions due to their potential military use, were delivered to Russia through the subsidiary. The vessels in question are part of Russia’s broader naval strategy, which has expanded since the invasion of Ukraine. The Sun reported that the components were used in what are described as “crabbers,” a term referring to specialized fishing vessels repurposed for military use.
This incident follows growing concerns about the flow of UK-made goods to Russia despite international sanctions. The UK has imposed strict export controls on military equipment and related technology, but the case highlights potential loopholes. The shipbuilder has not yet commented on the allegations, but the report suggests a possible breach of sanctions. The case raises questions about the effectiveness of export controls and the role of foreign subsidiaries in circumventing them.
The issue is part of a wider debate on how sanctions are enforced and whether they can be bypassed through indirect supply chains. With the UK preparing to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit in 2027, the timing of the report adds to the scrutiny of UK-Russia trade relations.
