Kathrine Frich
Investigative outlets say the gear is slipping through a chain of intermediaries despite official market withdrawals.
While Austria maintains its neutrality and declines to provide weapons to Ukraine, new allegations suggest that high-end Austrian optics are still reaching Russian forces.
Covert shipments
According to the Ukrainian investigative site iStories and the US-based Robert Lansing Institute (RLI), sniper-grade scopes manufactured by Swarovski Optik have continued to appear in Russia since the full-scale invasion began.
Their reporting states that customs records point to at least 90 units entering the country, most of them in 2023, with the total value surpassing 250,000 dollars.
Documents reviewed by iStories describe the equipment as intended for “hunting, hiking, and target shooting.”
But the outlets note that such optics are widely used in combat and, based on iStories’ unnamed sources, have reportedly been supplied to elite Russian formations.
After Swarovski Optik formally exited the Russian market, the gear began travelling through the United Arab Emirates, the investigators say.
RLI adds that the Austrian firm is not unique, with German and American scopes also accessible inside Russia.
Neutrality debate
The accusations come as Vienna continues to justify its refusal to arm Ukraine on the grounds of military neutrality and its longstanding policy of non-involvement in conflicts.
Critics argue that allowing dual-use items to move through third countries undermines that stance, though Austrian authorities have not publicly commented on the specific claims.
The iStories report highlights the contrast between official restrictions and the complex supply routes used to bypass them.
It also echoes earlier concerns that Russia is tapping foreign commercial networks to secure technology suitable for battlefield use.
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Sources: Super Express, iStories, Robert Lansing Institute, AFP, Polish Press Agency
