UAE mulls export controls on items sanctioned by US, EU – could thwart Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- Licenses could be withheld for dual-use goods destined for the battlefield, potentially hurting the Kremlin’s ability to feed its war machine
- The UAE is one of several Western allies, including Turkey, that last year refused to take sides or impose sanctions on Russia
The United Arab Emirates is considering introducing export licenses for a list of items including chips and other components that are sanctioned by the US and European Union and used by Russia’s military in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.
If implemented as envisaged, the system could see licenses withheld for dual-use goods destined for the battlefield, potentially hurting the Kremlin’s ability to feed its war machine.
The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private matters, cautioned that the Persian Gulf nation has yet to make a final decision.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Russia has so far been able to get around some of the trade restrictions imposed on it by the US, UK and Europe by routing banned goods via third countries such as the UAE, Turkey and some Central Asian nations that have not introduced sanctions themselves.
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Already a global logistics and trade hub, the UAE has seen a surge in imports of technology such as semi-conductors and advanced electronics from Europe and the US over the past 18 months.