In response to tensions in Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Schouze have separate plans.Picture: Retrieved from Macron’s Facebook
Russia’s violation of Ukraine was severely condemned by Germany, France and other countries. However, the EU imposed an arms embargo on Russia following Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, but Germany, France and other 10 member states were kicked out to exploit the loopholes to export value to Russia. 350 million euros (regarding 11.1 billion Taiwan dollars) of bombs, rockets, missiles, guns and other weapons, 78% of which were provided by Germany and France, with an amount of 273 million euros (regarding 8.7 billion Taiwan dollars), these weapons may have been Used by Russian troops to attack Ukrainian civilians.
Data shared by the EU with the British newspaper The Telegraph shows that at least 10 member states have been found to have exported nearly 100 million euros to Putin’s regime despite the EU’s arms embargo following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. 350 million euros of military equipment, export items include bombs, rockets, missiles and guns, etc. Of these, 78% were provided by German and French companies, which according to the data provided Russia with 273 million euros of military equipment.
The Daily Telegraph reported that data showed German companies took advantage of a loophole in the EU’s arms export embargo to Russia to sell dual-use equipment, including rifles and special protection vehicles, worth 121 million euros. France was found to be responsible for the delivery of military equipment worth 152 million euros to Russia. In addition to bombs, rockets and torpedoes, French companies also provided thermal imaging cameras for more than 1,000 Russian tanks, as well as the navigation systems of fighter jets and attack helicopters. May have appeared in Ukraine.
The report continued that the loophole was closed by the EU on April 8 following protests intensified in the Baltic and eastern member states. In response, the German government claims that the military equipment will only be sold following the Kremlin guarantees that they are for civilian rather than military use. A spokesman for the German economy ministry stressed that an export license would not be granted if there were any indications of military use. The French government did not comment on its use of the exemption.