Study: Russian FSB Vessels Operate With Engines From the West

A joint investigation by Dossier Center and Süddeutsche Zeitung has revealed how Western-origin engines reach Russian FSB border guard vessels despite international sanctions. German engines are transported to Russia through third countries, circumventing the imposed restrictions.

A comprehensive investigation conducted in collaboration between Dossier Center and German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung has exposed how Russia acquires Western-origin engines for its military fleet, defying international sanctions. According to the investigation, German maritime engines reach FSB border guard vessels through multiple intermediary countries.

Circumventing sanctions through third countries

To evade sanctions imposed on Russia, complex supply chains are used, routing goods through intermediaries in several countries. This allows Western-origin components to eventually reach vessels belonging to Russia's Federal Security Service border guard, which are used for security and other special purposes.

Western components in Russian vessels

The investigation shines a light on schemes through which Russia equips its military and special-purpose fleet with engines and other components of Western origin. The exposure raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing sanctions mechanisms and shows that export bans do not always function as intended.

International pressure to strengthen sanctions

Such exposures increase international pressure to strengthen sanctions enforcement and tighten supply chain controls. The EU has repeatedly proposed new measures in recent years to prevent banned goods from reaching Russia, but the investigation findings suggest gaps remain.