Western countries demand that the UAE minimize trade with Russia

The United States, Great Britain and the European Union are demanding that the authorities of the United Arab Emirates prohibit their companies from continuing trade relations with Russia if they violate international sanctions imposed on Russia due to its war in Ukraine. About it reports Reuters agency cited three sources in diplomatic circles.

Last week, a number of government officials from Europe and the United States visited the Emirates and during their visits demanded that the country not supply sanctioned goods to Russia, a British Foreign Office official said. Also, according to sources, Western diplomats asked the UAE to share information on the export to Russia and re-export of dual-use goods that could be used for military purposes. Sources in the UAE deny such supplies – at least this year.

The United Arab Emirates did not join European and American sanctions against Russia, announced after the start of the military invasion of Ukraine. However, US laws allow secondary sanctions to be imposed on those countries that continue to trade with states that are subject to US sanctions.

Recently, UAE banks, due to the threat of secondary sanctions, limited settlements with Russia and began to close accounts of companies and individuals. Shipping companies from the UAE are subject to US and EU sanctions, which help Russia transport liquefied gas and petroleum products bypassing sanctions.

• Russian President Vladimir Putin in December 2023 named The UAE is Russia’s main trading partner in the Arab world and said that in 2022, bilateral trade between Russia and the Emirates grew by almost 68% and continues to increase.
• At the same time, the UAE and Ukraine also conduct bilateral trade. April 29 Ukraine and the Emirates signed economic cooperation agreement. It also includes the UAE’s obligations to provide assistance to Ukraine in the restoration of its industry and infrastructure.