Russia has continued to use intermediary companies, including one apparently based in the UK, to import aviation tyres made by the French firm Michelin despite attempts to stop the trade, customs records suggest. Despite sanctions on the sale of civilian and aviation tyres to Russia, which is critically dependent on foreign suppliers, an analysis of records indicates that a significant number are continuing to get through. The Guardian reported in September 2024 that shipments of Michelin tyres worth $28m had been received in 2023 despite the company having ceased all exports to Russia since March 2022 after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Between October 2024, after the publication of the Guardian’s report, and March 2025, Russia received 2,687 Michelin tyres worth more than $7m (£5.2m), records analysed by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine indicate. The largest Russian importer in 2024 of Michelin tyres, Melaris LLC, was a supplier of the Russian military- industrial complex.

Source: The Guardian December 30, 2025 16:33 UTC