Russia has managed to purchase over 22,000 CNC (computer numerical control) machines, components and consumables worth $18.2 billion between 2023 and the first seven months of 2024, according to research by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU). Without CNC machines, manufacturing virtually any weapon would be impossible, making their procurement critical to sustaining Russian aggression.
Before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia relied on imports for 70–90% of its CNC machinery. For associated original components, the dependency was even higher—80–95%. So, whose equipment does Russia procure after the start of its full-scale war?
Who manufactured the machines that Russia purchased?
According to customs payment data analyzed by ESCU, the top three manufacturing countries are:
- China — over 62% of all imports, valued at $2.6 billion;
- Taiwan — 8.9%, valued at $371 million;
- South Korea — 5.47%, valued at $228 million.
Nearly a tenth of Russia's imports came from European manufacturers. Russia acquired over 10,000 CNC machines worth $405 million, including:
- Italy — 4,459 machines worth $168.8 million.
- Germany — 2,849 machines worth $139.9 million.
Components and Consumables Outweigh Machines
Even more critical than the machines themselves, Russia imported components and consumables worth over $14 billion. Goods worth more than $7 billion were manufactured in China, while a significant share also came from Europe. Over 20% of components, valued at $2.6 billion, were produced in Switzerland, and half a billion dollars' worth of components and materials came from Germany.
Blocking Russia’s Access and Evasion Tactics
Since late 2023, the sanctions coalition has intensified efforts to block Russia’s access to CNC equipment. EU sanction packages, including the 12th and 14th, imposed strict bans on exports and re-exports of such equipment to Russia. However, these restrictions do not fully apply to subsidiaries of European manufacturers operating in third countries, such as Turkey, China, India, and Malaysia.
Russia received at least 57 CNC machines worth over $26.5 million, produced by subsidiaries of European brands, as well as components and consumables worth over $9.5 million. The Istanbul branch of Germany's Emag Salach GmbH manufactured at least 17 CNC machines worth over $14.7 million, which were exported to Russia. Emag equipment is used in Russian military factories, including the Titan-Barikadi Scientific and Production Center, which produces launchers for ballistic missiles and components for artillery systems. Russia has also received products from other prominent European brands, such as Trumpf, DMG Mori, Chiron, Grob, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and others.
"Third countries act as transit hubs for equipment that ultimately reaches Russia, while compliance and oversight by parent companies remain weak. This undermines the effectiveness of the EU’s sanctions policy. A full ban on the export and re-export by subsidiaries in third countries is necessary, alongside clear accountability for violators and thorough investigations into each instance of European-made equipment reaching Russia," stated Denys Hutyk, Executive Director of ESCU.
The full ESCU research and recommendations are available in the attached file.
