Britain to investigate legality of russian aircraft purchases

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by The Observer.

‘The government is trying to determine whether the multi-million pound purchase of aircraft from russia violated the current UK sanctions regime,’ the report said.

According to official data, imports from russia increased by 21.2% compared to last year and reached £80 million (about $105 million). Of this amount, £36.3 million ($47.8 million) was spent on aviation products, but it is not specified which products are involved.

It is currently unknown who made the purchase.

The British government is now checking whether the agreement violates the sanctions regime, which prohibits the import of aviation equipment, technology and any products that bring ‘significant profits’ to russia.

Government officials have reminded that violations of the restrictions are punishable by heavy fines or criminal prosecution. This is the first recorded case of russian aviation equipment being imported into the UK since the sanctions came into force.

The UK has a ban on imports of helicopters, aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles and engines from  russia. The ban also covers iron and steel products manufactured in russia or from russian materials in third countries.

Source: Ukrinform, The Observer