Chinese, Swiss and EU CNC Machines Still Reaching Russia, Despite Sanctions

Russia has acquired $18 billion worth of machine tools for weapons production from Europe and China, according to a report by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine, on January 23.

Since 2023, the coalition enforcing sanctions on Russia has intensified efforts to limit its access to computer numerical control (CNC) machines. This equipment is used in Russian military plants, including the Titan-Barricades Scientific and Production Center, which manufactures ballistic missile launchers and artillery components.

The European Union has banned the export and re-export of this equipment to Russia, but these restrictions do not fully apply to European manufacturers’ subsidiaries operating in third countries such as Turkiye, China, India, and Malaysia. As a result, Russia obtained at least 57 CNC machines worth over $26.5 million from these subsidiaries, along with components and consumables valued at more than $9.5 million.

Before its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia relied on imports for 70–90% of its CNC machines, with an even higher dependence of 80–95% for original components.

China remains Russia’s largest supplier of CNC machines, accounting for more than 62% of total deliveries, worth $2.6 billion. Taiwan supplied 8.9% ($371 million), while South Korea contributed 5.47% ($228 million). European manufacturers accounted for nearly 10% of Russia’s imports, supplying over 10,000 CNC machines valued at $405 million.

Switzerland provided over 20% of the machine components Russia imported. The total value of components from EU manufacturers exceeded $1 billion, while subsidiaries of European brands in third countries supplied an additional $6.9 million worth of components.

Other European brands identified as suppliers of equipment for Russia’s defense sector include Trumpf, DMG Mori, Chiron, Grob, Schneider Electric, and Siemens.

CNC machines enable the rapid production of high-precision components made of metal and other durable materials, essential for manufacturing most defense products. United24 Media previously identified dozens of such machines in Russian defense plants.

The Economic Security Council analyzed customs data from early 2023 through the first seven months of 2024. Despite stricter sanctions and export controls, Russia continues to import critical CNC equipment and components.

United24 Media previously identified dozens of these machines in Russian defense plants.