German companies help russia rebuild occupied and destroyed Mariupol

German companies are helping russia rebuild occupied and destroyed Mariupol. Experts say that the companies are actually "helping to cement" the russian authorities in the occupied territories.

The German company Knauf and its subsidiary WKB Systems GmbH, which employs 4000 people, continue to cooperate with russia. In particular, they play a significant role in the reconstruction of Mariupol, which was destroyed by the russians during their full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

WKB Systems GmbH, which is majority owned by russian oligarch Viktor Budarin, has been using Knauf's capabilities to operate in the russian market for many years to produce aerated concrete blocks. Now WKB Systems GmbH is one of the main contractors in Mariupol.

In annual reports, on company websites, in photos and videos, there is evidence everywhere that German companies are also playing an important role in the rebuilding of Mariupol. This includes heavy construction machinery and windows that bear the logos of several German manufacturers. Once again, the name Knauf appears on gypsum and cement bags.

In a general statement on doing business in russia, Knauf says it condemns russian aggression against Ukraine and complies with all EU sanctions against russia. They say they manufacture products in russia "exclusively for the local market."

"As for Knauf's statements regarding the presence of a subsidiary in russia that operates only on the domestic market and therefore does not violate EU sanctions requirements, this interpretation is as far from reality as possible," said Viktor Winkler, an expert on sanctions law.

Source: Tagesschau