The Czech Republic’s Security and Information Service (BIS) will investigate domestic companies suspected of exporting equipment used in weapons manufacturing to Russia—a potential breach of EU sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s Warning Triggers Inquiry
The probe follows remarks by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who recently warned that eight Czech firms could be involved in supplying machine tools for Russian arms production.
Speaking to the Czech news portal iRozhlas, BIS spokesman Ladislav Štiha confirmed that the agency would act once it receives the list of companies identified by Kyiv.
“As soon as we receive the list, we will conduct an investigation into these companies and stores,” Štiha said.
Complex Sanctions Evasion Routes
Štiha noted that hundreds of companies attempt to export products to Russia despite the embargo. Many of these cases involve goods shipped before 2022, when no sanctions were in place, or equipment re-exported via third countries to avoid detection.
“It is almost certain that in no case will this be a direct export from the Czech Republic to Russia, as this is impossible without a license, and such goods could not legally cross the border,” Štiha explained.
According to BIS, companies often apply for export licenses to “safe” destinations, including EU member states, but later see their products resold to Russian buyers. “Firms often defend themselves by claiming they were unaware of the resale, and it is very difficult to prove the opposite,” Štiha added.
Resource Constraints in Enforcement
The BIS spokesman also acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement, citing insufficient funding and personnel. “Only a handful of state experts confront hundreds of companies attempting to export goods to Russia,” he stated.
This issue is not unique. Lithuania uncovered a similar sanctions evasion network earlier in 2025, while German and Finnish companies have also faced investigations over alleged indirect sales of restricted goods to Russia.
