Although the export of firearms to Russia was banned throughout the EU after the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, Austrian weapons are apparently still being supplied there. According to the Russian exile media “The Insider”, at least 169 rifles and pistols from the Upper Austrian arms company Steyr Arms and more than 3,600 Glock pistols have come to Russia since February 24, 2022.
In October 2022, the EU banned the export of all types of firearms to the Russian Federation as part of a sanctions package. “And yet (…) the Moscow arms wholesaler Arsenal received eleven units of the Steyr sniper rifle in February,” writes the “Presse” citing “The Insider”. Arsenal currently offers 20 Steyr Arms models for sale.
Glock pistols made in Austria
Of the 3,606 Glock pistols exported to Russia, 3,203 are said to have been manufactured by Glock GmbH in Austria, the remaining 403 by the American subsidiary Glock Inc. How many of these were delivered before the start of the EU firearms export ban? not found in the report. The Glock pistols were imported by five Russian companies. It is unclear whether the pistols were also supplied to the Russian armed forces or only found private buyers.
Steyr Arms emphasized to the “press” that no weapons have been delivered to Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. There was no statement from the Glock company.
Intermediaries and third countries
The Austrian weapons probably reached Russia through third countries and intermediaries. “The Insider” mentions a Cypriot trading company as a link; She is also suspected by British authorities of arms smuggling with North Korea.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
