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Media: Russia buying back weapon parts exported to India, Myanmar

1 min read
Media: Russia buying back weapon parts exported to India, Myanmar
A disabled Russian tank stands in front of a Soviet war memorial in the center of Izium, Kharkiv Oblast, on Sept. 14, 2022. (Kostyantyn Chernichkin/The Kyiv Independent)

Russia may be "buying back" military equipment previously shipped to India and Myanmar, the Japanese news outlet Nikkei reported on June 5.

Based on Nikkei's analysis of customs clearance data, Moscow repurchases parts for tanks and missiles to refit older weapons for use in Ukraine.

For example, Russia's leading tank producer UralVagonZavod re-imported its own products from Myanmar worth $24 million on Dec. 9, 2022, Nikkei wrote.

Russia's military hardware, including its tanks, suffered heavy attrition since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

To offset the losses, Moscow is reportedly refitting older models such as the Stalin-era T-54/55 tanks, and seeking aid from friendly governments.

Despite Western sanctions aimed at Russia's ability to produce arms, Moscow is successfully using intermediary countries to circumvent these measures.

A report by Sky News from June 5 possibly revealed a $1 million contract for ammunition and artillery and tank components. This included $740,000 for T-72 tank barrels.

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Martin Fornusek

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Martin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.

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