The British government is investigating whether the purchase of Russian aircraft by British companies for several million pounds violated sanctions imposed by London against Moscow, a government spokesman said today, quoted by the “Guardian“ – “Observer“, which reported the case to “Downing Street 10“, BTA reports.
In the first half of 2025, the United Kingdom imported Russian goods worth 80 million pounds, which is 21.2% more than in the same period last year, according to data from the British Ministry of Trade. Almost half of this amount - 36.3 million pounds - is intended to buy Russian aircraft.
The officials did not specify which companies made the purchase or whether it was permissible under the sanctions, which ban the import of aviation goods and technology, as well as goods that generate significant revenue for Russia.
“Non-compliance with sanctions is a crime punishable by heavy financial fines or even criminal prosecution. We take reports of violations by British companies very seriously and encourage anyone who believes such a company is not complying with the rules to report it to the government,“ the spokesman said.
According to the information, this is the first case of aircraft imports from Russia to Britain since the imposition of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, in February it became known that British companies had exported aircraft parts to India, which eventually reached Russia.
A spokesman for the “Liberal Democrats“ described the case as a "serious security concern" and added: "Under this government, Britain has imported Russian goods and paid tens of millions of pounds for planes from Moscow. The public will be outraged that the country continues to fill Putin's military coffers."