Despite ongoing sanctions, an investigation by German media resource Correctiv, reported by European Pravda, has revealed that over 7,000 Western-made civilian firearms and nearly eight million rounds of ammunition have entered Russia since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Some of these weapons are allegedly being used in Russia's war against Ukraine.
The investigation highlighted a Russian Telegram channel linked to the Wagner mercenaries, showcasing a photo with a caption indicating a new supply of sniper rifles.
The image displayed a rifle and instructions from Blaser GmbH, a German manufacturer. Additionally, other Western firearms, including pistols from Austria's Glock and AR-15 assault rifles, have been traced through these channels.
The United States has stringent restrictions on the export of civilian firearms, but Germany currently does not plan to impose similar restrictions. These weapons are entering Russia not directly, but through intermediaries in other countries.
In response to this investigation, Roderich Kiesewetter, a Bundestag member and deputy chairman of the parliamentary control commission from the CDU opposition party, has urged the German government to follow the U.S. lead and suspend the export of civilian firearms, except for deliveries to Ukraine and Israel.
This revelation comes alongside other related developments, including the seizure of property in Finland belonging to Russian businessman Boris Alyoshin, who is on the EU sanctions list and linked to the Russian defense industry.
Additionally, a trial is set to begin in Finland for a woman accused of purchasing small arms ammunition components and smuggling them to Russia.
