Russian imports from Maldives soar 90-fold since invasion of Ukraine

The Maldives has become an unexpected hub for transporting goods to and from Russia, allowing the country to evade economic sanctions, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. In 2022, Russian imports from the Maldives soared to over $630 million, a 90-fold increase from the previous year. Restricted goods, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes, often pass through Malé's airport, with aircraft parts, electronic components, and other restricted items frequently found among the shipments.

Aeroflot, Russia's largest airline, operates a morning flight to Malé, allowing for the clearance of goods from the United States, Europe, and China through customs. These goods are then loaded onto Aeroflot flights returning to Moscow, ultimately ending up in sanctioned entities such as S7 Airlines and its maintenance operations.

The Maldivian government is under pressure from Western nations to close this channel, with local authorities acknowledging the issue and working to address it. The lack of staffing and minimal inspection of transit cargo contributes to the ease with which these goods can be smuggled. The Kremlin's ability to circumvent sanctions has led to significant developments, including the acquisition of 3D-printing equipment for jet-powered drones, which has reduced costs and could potentially worsen the sanctions situation further.