Since Russia began its war in Ukraine, the Russian side has illegally exported 500,000 cubic meters of timber worth 1.5 billion euros to Europe.
According to data from the British NGO "Earthsight", Belgium has received 142 trucks of birch timber - almost 5,000 cubic meters - worth 14.8 million euros, the Belgian news agency Belga reported, quoted by BTA.
Despite the EU ban on the import of Russian timber, Moscow continues to export through Turkey, China, Kazakhstan and Georgia. All EU member states are involved in this illegal trade.
From 2022 More than 700 cubic meters of illegal timber enter Europe every day. The largest importer is Poland, followed by Spain, Portugal, Italy and Estonia, while Belgium remains the main market. The timber is particularly sought after for its multi-layered structure, durability and lack of voids.