Potential "Connector" CIS Countries Between the EU and Russia

EU Exports to "Connector" CIS Countries Double Within 15 Months After Russia's Invasion of Ukraine

The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, triggered European Union sanctions against Russia. As a result, EU exports to Russia dropped sharply, from €89 billion in 2021 to €38 billion in 2023. In response, certain CIS countries emerged as intermediaries between the EU and Russia, potentially bypassing sanctions. EU exports to CIS nations—including Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia—surged by 107%, from €16.2 billion in January 2022 to €32.5 billion in May 2023.